Growing up, Christmas meant cakes and winter vacations. I loved that our school used to be closed for good fifteen days and gave us time to unwind. Of course, it meant homework but I never complained. All I wanted was to be home in such cold weather. The winter solstice, the fog around, and that nip in the air were all my favorite things when I was growing up in the North of India.
And then like how everything changes, I left home to make a life of my own. The cakes were not baked or exchanged, the weather got warmer and winters were a thing of the past. One thing that did not change was the happiness that the season brought. The excitement of the new year, the fun of getting together with friends, exchanging gifts and the joy of giving.
Even at work, we do not miss out to play Secret Santa. It’s never about the gifts but the pleasure of receiving and giving a gift of love. Like last year, I have been a part of many groups and the excitement it brings is hard to put in words. The gesture brings people together and certainly provides an opportunity to make someone happy.
Among us bloggers too, undivided by geographies, virtual friends have got together to play Secret Santa. Isn’t it wonderful? A season that warms the heart is here and we all are the ones who keep the joy alive.
This year, I am planning to start a tradition. The one that’s different. There will be a Christmas tree at home and under that will be gifts. Gifts for my friends in Bangalore. The ones who are family. But sshhh..That’s still a secret. The plan is to spread more cheer and make it a memorable one. It’s holiday time and I am looking forward to make the most of it.
I received this baton of joy from Ajay Kontham and I am happy to pass it on to you. Tell me how do you celebrate Christmas?
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happiness and food 
That is a lovely plan Parul!! Bringing back the childish excitement of Christmas and gifts and all!! I hope you have a wonderful time. As we grow older we try harder to relive our childhood memories. Have a lovely festive season and a wonderful new year ahead!
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True that. Thank you Kala!
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Isn’t that wonderful! I love the surprise that you are planning for and I love it that we played Secret Santa along with our blogger friends. Who said virtual friendships aren’t real! I am glad that I know you, Parul 🙂
Wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas 🙂
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The feeling is mutual, Shalini. Thank you and wish you and your loved ones the same.
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It’s always fun to hear how people celebrate holidays with their own special traditions. Any chance you’ll share some more information on the cakes exchanged at Christmastime in India? I’ve never heard of that and would love to learn more!
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That’s not really a tradition but more exchanges like a rum you make with a coconut one I do. Simple thing but so good that we get to taste other flavors all made with love at home.
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Good luck with your Christmas plans, Parul. Looking forward to seeing pictures.
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Thank you Corinne. Yes, posted one 🙂
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I really really wish this gift giving be our tradition… Hope we all are connected in years to come.. blogging has indeed helped me connect with so many soulful people… Hope the chain continues… Merry Christmas…
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I think it’s up to us to continue the chain. Thank you so much for stopping by.
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I had never thought that I will be putting up a Christmas tree at home but yes doing it and decorating it is fun, even as a grown-up. Good luck to you with your plans. Share the shots as soon as possible 🙂
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We do what we never think we would do.one posted 🙂 thank you!
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Wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Love this season of giving and sharing. As for gifts for your friends, I am your friend and could be in Bangalore for Christmas 😇.
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Ha ha! Please come over. You forgot about the yum cake that I can pack for you too 🙂
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Wow..what a wonderful thought and gesture, Parul. Loved reading about your winter memories. There’s something magical about December. Much love to you and wish you a great 2017.
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Thank you Uma! Wish you the same.
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I missed out on the secret santa ritual. But it is good to see such beautiful posts being written on the same. I love your idea of gifting your family gifts too. Christmas is all about giving and receiving, right. Wishing you a merry Christmas, Parul 🙂
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Thank you Maliny. Wish you the same.
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Parul how true, christmas is becoming more about connecting families, friends and extended circles of our lives through this spirit of togetherness..
Thank you for signing up Unwrap christmas- a yearly ritual that always sees me happy and excited about this time.
A very merry christmas and a happy new year 🙂
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Totally my pleasure and thank you for hosting this.
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All the best with your secret Christmas plans! 😉
Hope you have a lovely Christmas and a wonderful 2017!
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Thank you and wish you the same 🙂
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I wanted to put up a Christmas tree for my kid this year . Exactly like you’ve planned it but couldn’t manage. Perhaps next year ..
With lots of gifts and maybe I’ll bake my first cake too !
This year I was a part of secret Santa for the first time and the joy of giving has definitely rubbed in..
Hope you had a great time planning and executing that party .. Merry Christmas !
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Just do it. If I had planned a lot, it would have been not possible. I baked the cake on 25th and only my little God daughter got her gift. Rest are yet to be given away but I’m okay. I needed to start 🙂
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wishing you and your family and near and dear ones a happy christmas and a very happy new year. There is something about the season which makes us happy and cheerful
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So true. Thank you and wish you the same.
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What a pity I missed this blogfest. But I spent Christmas tending to my old faitthful Bai who was operated for a cataract. Apart from this gesture of kindness I also had a blast with my grandchildren who invited me over to their place for a Christmas breakfast. We found our gifts under the tree and pulled at crackers to make a pop. I’m glad the little ones are around for us to continue a family tradition!
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Oh no! Next time will let you know. You are a kind woman. So glad you had a lovely time with grand kids 🙂
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Love that plan! I hope I do that some day. For the first time this year I wasn’t with my grandparents for Christmas, so there was no mood for celebration at home either. But then again the secret Santa and the decorations in college made for a nice day. 🙂
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Thank you!
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