“I grew up in a Malayali Christian home where Christmas began even before December did. It starts with auditions for the school play, bunking class in the name of rehearsals, planning what we would wear to school on the celebration day, wondering what to give and what we’ll get for Secret Santa. Waiting for my father to take out the decorations, stars and lights from the loft, decorating the tree, church carol rehearsals, crib competitions, listing out every family we know to go plum cake shopping, the big Christmas feast at home – these are no words to describe the sense of warmth these thoughts bring to my heart. In Kerala during Christmas, every house is decorated and entertaining carols regardless of religion, political beliefs or financial status.

After moving away from home 8 years back to pursue my dreams, I never gave myself the chance to celebrate Christmas – I told myself it was just an excuse for people to sell overpriced cakes and decorative items. But every year, the happy excited child in me died a little with neglect. This year, I would have almost missed christmas if it was not highlighted by google on my calendar. One thing I never skipped was the tradition of doing something nice for someone every christmas, and this year, I decided to do something for myself. I decided to let go of my stuck up adult brain, not judge the rest of the world for being merry, and make myself a christmas tree. Ironically, the most selfless thing you can do is to give some love to the child in you.”

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