It's Christmas time in the city...

By Nilma DOLE

Nobody can deny that the spirit of Christmas, be it commercial or religious, will bring nostalgic memories and joyous feelings. We allow ourselves to be whisked away by it, we love it because it comes once a year.

All Sri Lankans may not be Christians, but we all love Christmas because of the atmosphere of fun and joy in the air during this time. Be it the bargain shoppers' discounts, special offers and promotions in stores or the festive food, we have many reasons to get into the festive spirit.

We all love to witness Christmas in Colombo, in one way or another, making it as grand an event unlike any other month in the calendar.

Just like Santa Claus gave you gifts when you were young for being good, it is the same policy that you might get an annual Christmas bonus at the end of the year as an employee!

A lot hasn't changed from back then, and even though we may take it for granted, Christmas is indeed something we just can't ignore.

A highlight about Christmas in town is the window-shopping and checking out the decorations everywhere. The winter wonderland at a leading entertainment park has started to come alive where children and adults of all ages can enjoy themselves at its Snow Dome.

Shops are decorated with colourful lights, streamers and glittering tinsel which is a sight to behold. The red and green colours of artificial holly, dazzling decorations, striped candy canes and beautiful angels all indicate how Sri Lankans would go to great extents to celebrate Christmas in style.

It might be expensive, but a positive development to see is how the concept of eco-friendly Christmas is now taking root. It's not just recycling last year's Christmas decorations, but also ensuring that you have biodegradable and environmental-friendly waste.

Most departmental stores and shopping centres have something in store for everyone. They even allocate a budget to decorate their store for Christmas and usually have activities such as carolling, charity-giving and a Santa Claus to give children gifts. All top hotels in Colombo organise something or the other for Christmas.

The Christmas lights, decorative Santas, the Christmas trees, twinkling lights and the amazing array of stuff to buy is indeed mind-boggling. Shoppers are at their wits' end to find something appropriate for their loved ones and because of the worry about getting something the recipient won't like, stores have gift vouchers for those who also may not have time to shop.

After a random survey carried out in Pettah, along Galle Road, Borella, Nugegoda and Colombo 7, I discovered that every shop, from the tiny store selling trinkets to the big shops, had some element of Christmas to it.

Pettah's Main Street is already abuzz with activity, with people scouring the street for the best bargain on that artificial Christmas tree, or gifts for the children. Even if they are not Christians, this usually is the best time to give children gifts, because it is cheaper and also stop them from whining for that toy Santa.

Bargains, discounts

People run helter-skelter, trying to make the most of the discounts. Everyone wants to be the first to get their hands on the best bargains. In fact, most shops are open till late, to cater to the growing demands of last-minute shopping.

December 2011 will see Sri Lanka shine as a happening destination internationally. An air show of a stupendous nature came alive yesterday and a festival will also take place, bringing some of the best UK musicians to Sri Lanka.

In addition, Galle is coming alive with the new Southern Expressway being opened, making it a Christmas treat to go Down South to take as much as you can from the cut-rate domestic tourist prices.

It is interesting to see that everyone wants to be a part of it. There are 'Merry Christmas' hats on sale, funny reindeer toy noses with a lightbulb which can be worn in tribute to Rudolph, and seasonal greeting cards to wish the near, dear and work colleagues and contacts a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

However, Christmas is also a time for giving. Sometimes, it is easy to get carried away with the Christmas mania and lose sight of its real essence. Hence, it is important to ensure that you give to the less fortunate, donate some packets of lunch or donate blood. In fact, Christmas parties at orphanages and special schools where children really need love and kindness are events where people might actually think of the joy of giving as opposed to the joy of getting. It is hard to imagine, amidst all this commercialism, that the money you spend could feed a few hungry children. However, Christmas is Christmas and it is just as well that we put a big smile on our faces and enjoy it.