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In Retrospect

All for a beaming Christmas

Most party plans fail to materialise and as a backup you must have a plan B. As little bells jingle away, and you ponder on how to spend your day, here are some ideas to guide you through the merry week till New Year’s, writes Lahari Basu

Remember how this song in the film Home Alone packed our minds with courage and enthusiasm as little Kevin ran back home on a mission to save his house? The melodious tune of 'Carol of the Bells' plays at the back of our head as the merriment in the Christmas air diffuses like the smoke of opium nullifying all negativities spreading an eternal smile on our faces, bringing back childhood memories. Christmas announces its very omnipotent presence with chills of winter giving you pleasurable goosebumps, and the fresh aroma of delectable dishes filling the air.
Not a fan of Christmas celebrations? Perhaps the news of the tallest Christmas tree in the country could inspire you to liven up during this time of the year and feel the joy. A 56-year-old bachelor has been tending to the largest pine conifer in India for over 45 years. And fulfilling the dying wishes of his sister and father, Douglas Saldanha hads spent Rs 100,000 on the tree for decorations this Christmas. Boasting of love and care, the tree has been adorned by over 10,000 twinkling colourful fairy lights, cherubic angels, bells, streamers and festoons, tiny crosses, and a beaming Santa Claus waving from the 'cotton snow.' Standing at a staggering 65 feet, the tree has entered the record books as India's tallest, fully decorated, natural growing Christmas tree blooming in a tiny garden in Adarsh Nagar, a private residential society in south Mumbai's Worli neighbourhood, reports IANS.
Most party plans fail to materialise and as a backup, you must have a plan B. As little bells jingle away, and you ponder over how to spend your day, here are some ideas to guide you through the merry week till New Years.
Party
The quintessential Christmas celebration in Kolkata mostly surround strolling under the fairy-light clad Park Street, gorging onto the finest cakes from Flury's and Nahoums, visiting churches, and partying at nightclubs. Which is pretty much the scene elsewhere across Indian cities. Party hubs and discs, around town, have amazing offers during Christmas and New Year's, inviting in more party animals than ever. In case you aren't a fan of EDM or choose not to drink alcohol, you may as well look out for some live concerts. With a diverse cultural background, India boasts of superb musicians ready to give you a lovely evening experience with your friends.
You have a full proof plan on hand, but in the last moment someone backs out, following which some other members of your gang drop out as well, leaving you alone, sad and left out. How familiar does it sound? Well, we've all faced this situation many times, and to help you cope with a similar dysfunctional plan, here are some other ways to enable you to enjoy the holiday or keep busy with something nice and sweet.
Movie marathon
If you are one of those unfortunate souls, to not have access to a series of leaves, spend your only off-day watching some of the best films on X-mas. Get a large bowl of popcorn, some fizzy drinks, and you're set for the day! Movies like It's a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Home Alone: Lost in New York, Elf, Miracle on the 34th Street, The Holiday, and Holiday Inn could be pretty good choices to make your day. If you run out of popcorn order some pizza and start the ball rolling again, call some friends over and have a pyjama party movie marathon, in the comfort of your home and the beloved company of friends.
Trips and tours
Are you the fortunate one to have a stack of unused leaves form work? You may choose to use up the off days, and plan a short trip to the mountains, the forests, or the beach if you need the warmth and sunshine. With the snow embellishing our very beloved Himalayas in the northwest, it is the perfect time to pay a visit to Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand for a snow fight, a warm campfire, an enthralling jungle safari or simply a relaxing week in the lap of nature. If the old world charm seems inviting to you, visiting the forts of Rajasthan for a luxurious stay is advisable.
With several homestays propping up like mushrooms across some less travelled areas in the mountains and trekking trails, you can definitely spend a few days with the local families and learn from their way of life. Those with an unquenching adrenaline rush must take the opportunity to go hiking in the forests or try their hands in the adventure sports at disposal. While trekking through the snow is a heavenly experience, skiing in the snow-clad Gulmarg and Auli can be a one-of-a-lifetime affair. Those with a lust for the waters can plunge deep into the blue for snorkelling, and scuba diving in the Andamans, or Lakshwadeep Islands. Some other fun activities might be hot air ballooning and paragliding, but those with vertigo must stay avoid heights, and lay low with terrestrial adventure sports.
Those with the boon of year ender holidays may also venture abroad to exotic destinations like Iceland, Finland, Maldives, Cambodia, Bolivia, Greece, and the Dominican Republic. You can thank us once you post your new #wanderlust photographs on Instagram!
Awaken your aesthetic sense
In case you like to decorate and redecorate your place, Christmas is the perfect time of the year when you can create a theme and put together your grey cells to throw a massive surprise for your family or friends if you have guests coming over. Seating off with some fairy lights, one can conjure up some of the most beautiful interior scenes. With some colours, flowers, little bells and DIY material, you could create an ensemble of the perfect Christmas setting at home. You can let your imagination flow with the flowers by planning to create something other than the traditional wreath. Grab some stationery and some old showpieces and construct something new and fashionable to go with your Christmas theme. If there are kids in the family, get them together with some DIY projects of streamers and festoons.
Binge eating
Finally, the fact that we gain weight in the holiday season is quite well known now, therefore without much ado, you could gorge on a variety of your favourite dishes. Needless to say that there are endless exquisite and mouth-watering delicacies lined up in front of our eyes across the winter to woo the mind and shush the brain with their inviting aroma and beautiful features. Worries about gaining a few kilos are often flushed out of sight, with the flick of one's hand as they indulge in a juicy turkey, or roasted goose, eggnog, chocolate dipped strawberries, numerous cakes, puddings, and all other sinful desserts.
Awaken the chef in you and fill your home with the fulfilling fragrance of your favourite food. Or simply plan a brunch or dinner with your loved ones and visit the places offering some of the best buffets during winter. What's winter without some bone-chilling ice cream? Summer isn't always the best time to suck onto a dripping cone of cornetto or a melted bowl of gooey cold dessert; the best time of the year to experience and rejoice the splendidness of this marvellous dessert is undeniably winter. Once you're done with your sumptuous meal, lose yourself in a handsome cold serving, while you simply sit and admire the Christmas tree or binge watch your favourite show online.
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