Christmas Time In My Life

I first saw Christmas Time celebrations in my school which was then named St Annes Presentation High School & College located in the city of Rawalpindi, in the Punjab province of Pakistan.

I had just started school but I have clear visions of Holy Mary's stately figure standing gracefully in a small cave like structure in the small garden space outside the main Parlour.This was in full view of the students , many kneeled and prayed and then moved on to go to their class or to play if it was break time.I would be fascinated and would spend many moments just standing and gazing .

My friends were Claire, Eileen, Zara David and later Jennifer.They would bring sweets and Christmas cake and we would be a happy group playing and learning together.

My father was posted to a hill station Military Hospital as Commanding Officer and there we came to know the Josephs family.They were our neighbours.Miss Florence Joseph became my teacher and again it was a happy family together on many occasions.I still remember the home made fruit cake we had for Christmas that year, in the 1950s when we went to wish them.Their brother was called Moon' and I found it a strange name.

Many years later again I found that I was with Jenny and her two daughters setting up their Christmas Tree.This family was living away from the father.

Jenny had opened tha special carton and we laughed and talked and sang 'we wish you a Merry Christmas' as we joined the ready made parts of the special tree and hung up the lights....it was fun and to share Jennys happiness was special for me.Jenny is teaching in China these days.

The best time of all was in 2003 when I got the life time opportunity of visiting the UK where my son was studying for his MBA.

That year saw the last of the Guy Fawkes fireworks in public.I spent hours standing in the window looking at the bursting colors in the sky.The city was Nottingham.What a wonderful place!My dream come true.

Then came Christmas Eve.It was cold. My son and I drove upto the Robin Hood castle.We walked on the cobbled street.I felt as if I was walking on the pages of a History Book.The yellowish red glow on the black iron poles reminded me of Treasure Island's Inn.I looked round suddenly .I thought I heard the swish of an arrow and a shadow , maybe it was Jim.

We were now close to the YE OLDE INN at the foot of the castle.Laughter and tinkling of glasses met us as we entered the cave like pub.A quiet walk in the spaces between the tables was a big enough treasure chest for me.

Mom shall we go?Reaching the black Mercedez Benz brought us back to the present.

We bought chocolates , three different varieties and late night prepared gift packs for our neighbours.Christmas morning was bright and clear.My son and I were happy to share those special moments and for me it was 'Real Time Christmas'.

Then I wrote these lines which I wish to share

Christmas Time Christmas Time

Christmas Time, Christmas Time and prayers,

Prayers for peace, a peaceful refuge,

Welcome Light, with lights on trees,

Green and white, in coloured deluge;

Décor delight diversity diverted;

All hope one, all call one ,All pray one;

Life to begin, or life , to cease?

Christmas Time, Healing Time and tremors,

Tremors of blasts, killing blasts,

Farewell Love, with flags on caskets