An Idea... for this Christmas

With Diwali done and dusted, well almost done and and dusted, and Christmas just around the corner. Ok so Christmas may be well over a month away, the there’s nothing stopping you from getting all Christmassy. But then that’s not the point (or we are digressing, or my mind is wandering from the point). The point is that this Christmas let’s do things a bit differently.

This Christmas, let’s buy presents from local businesses, from self-employed individuals. Let’s gift beautiful, elegant, handcrafted, handmade, customised articles, rather than buying mass manufactured articles created by corporations. Lets buy articles and decorations made by the local aganwadis and associations, who’s proceeds go to the needy. Let’s do our bit to support local artisans, encourage local talents, let’s buy locally.

Let’s buy homemade goodies, sweets and cakes, from the neighbouring auntie who sells her Christmassy delicacies come Christmas time. Let’s buy cakes, buns, chocolates, cookies and other Christmas delicacies from the local bakers, from a friend who bakes. Come Christmas Day, patronise the little cafe that’s just around the corner.

Gather the children, the youth, your friends, age no bar, religion no bar, and go carol singing. Spread a little Christmas cheer to those need it the most. The sick, the home bound, the alone and the lonely. Share the joy and spirit of the season, cause after all it’s in giving that we receive, in sharing that what we have, gets doubled.

You’ve spent a lot on races (if you’re a Runnaholic), running for one cause or another, never truly understanding for what exactly are you running for, or are these causes truly being benefitted. Now is your time to actually make a difference, bring about a change. If possible, donate platelets or blood (getting over any fear or doubt you have), do your bit and save a life. You may never know who’s life you’re saving but you sure are going to feel good to know you’ve done something good, something selfless, you’ve saved a life without knowing who’s life you’re saving.

This way you ensure that Christmas is not contained just to a few , to just ourselves, but it is shared with all, bringing joy and Christmas cheer to those who need it the most, the way it is meant to be. Let’s make sure the money we spend goes to individual people and not multinational corporations. This way more local people will have a better Christmas. Let’s support real people, people who need Christmas joy. Let’s do something different, something good, not just for ourselves but for all.