School students during Christmas celebrations. Representative image.
December is a time for festive carols, sweet treats, and the joyful spirit of Christmas. But it’s also a time for giving. Boxing Day, or Offering Day, is celebrated on December 26th, following Christmas. This tradition, where the wealthy provide gifts for the less fortunate, spreads joy and compassion.
Our sons, Sachin and Sunny, still fondly remember their initial Boxing Day experiences in kindergarten. Their school, run by an elderly Australian couple in a quiet bylane of Frazer Town in Bengaluru, enthusiastically celebrated Boxing Day every year. The couple’s dedication to preserving their homeland’s traditions added a unique charm to the school’s festivities.
The fancy dress competition was a vital part of the celebrations. Children could express their creativity, dressing up as characters from history, literature, or their favorite superheroes. My wife, Shobha, dressed our boys in military attire, complete with camouflage fatigues and accessories. Sporting their new outfits, the boys resembled soldiers and couldn’t wait to strut their stuff.
Upon arriving at school, the children were greeted by the principal’s wife, who welcomed them warmly. The classroom was decorated with a Christmas tree, streamers, and toys, creating a magical atmosphere. A charming display of miniature Nativity figures -- of baby Jesus, his parents and three wise men -- added to the festive ambiance. A towering white star perched on the building radiated with ‘Wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year’. Her efforts and those of the other teachers made the event truly special. The principal was nowhere to be seen.
The event kicked off with a teacher singing a charming Christmas tune. Santa Claus’s dramatic entry out of the blue, a surprise to the children, added entertainment and amusement. Dressed in a classic Santa suit complete with a fur-trimmed hat, he pranced around greeting children with handshakes. His arrival sparked excitement in the room.
Santa surprised the children with toys, pulling them out of his coat like a magician. The goodies, presented in neat packets, were the cherry on top. The room filled with excitement, and the children’s laughter echoed off the walls. The children were unaware that the Saint Nicholas was their beloved principal in disguise.
Our younger son, Sunny, stole the show, winning the top prize in the fancy dress competition.
Thirty years have passed, but we cherish those moments of pure joy and innocence. Witnessing the excitement and happiness in our children’s eyes was a priceless experience, filling our hearts with nostalgia and reflection.