When my children were little, I waited eagerly for Christmas. I loved going to the shops to buy  their gifts and loved to see their excited face on Christmas morning when they opened their gifts..

I always baked the Christmas cake and decorated the tree on December 1st.  We always had a family dinner on Christmas eve..while listening the Christmas carols CD. I gave home baked cakes and cookies as a gift to all my kids’ teachers and to my neighbours.

I have been so busy, I am yet to bake the cake this year. The tree and decorations are still in the attic. I haven’t even thought of what to buy for the kids. This year I baked store bought samosas and spring rolls as a treat for the teachers.

When I was in 7th std, my mother declared that we won’t celebrate Christmas anymore because it isn’t fair on Appa that we are still celebrating Christmas while he is alone where ever he is working!  My mother was looking for a reason not to bother  about Christmas there by saving money and used my father’s unavailabily as an excuse. I felt betrayed and took it up on myself to do everything. I found the tree, got it cut and dragged it all the way home. I made the decorations and even hung the star. I couldn’t imagine not celebrating the Christmas.

I don’t know if it is because I am bogged down with work that I lost the Christmas spirit.. or am I turning out to be like my mother?