Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas

Christmas is the crystal notes of the midnight mass rising into the sky to spangle the silent night with stars of wonder, stars of light. It is celebrated on December 25 in all Christian churches including Eastern Rite, Roman & Protestant. December 25th was the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian god of light. This day was adopted by the church as Christmas to counteract the effects of these festivals.

With the passage of time, the nature of Christmas celebration has undergone tremendous change and every year a new tradition begins. Christmas, celebrated to remember and honor the birth of holy Jesus, has evolved from a staunch religious affair into a merry hearted event that include carnivals, cookies and off course Santa Clause. Christmas has been widely associated with snow fun activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sled riding, snow mobile riding, or hiking with snow shoes. Santa' has been around since the 4th century. Originally known as Saint Nicholas, the patron of children and sailors, the bishop was immortalized because of his generous and loving nature towards children. Christians traditionally exchange gifts as a reminder of God's gift of a savior to humankind. Gift giving also recalls an ancient Roman custom of exchanging gifts to bring good fortune for the New Year. In most cultures that celebrate Christmas, a mythical figure delivers gifts to children. Santa Claus and other mythical gift givers have become increasingly gentle, generous, and forgiving. Most of the houses set up the Christmas tree in their garden or house before the Christmas mornings. This tree is decorated by all the members of the family and the stars are fixed. Lights, buntings and other decorations brighten up the Christmas tree.

Gifts for all the family members are kept next to the Christmas tree and are to be opened up only on the Christmas Eve or the Christmas morning. It is a well known belief that children of many cultures across the world are known to hang stockings in the house and believe that Santa Claus will stuff the stocking with gifts. All young boys and girls wake up early in the morning to see the gifts that they got from their parents as well as from Santa Claus. They are excited to open up the new toys and sweets that they have received as presents. Dressed in the best clothes brought for Christmas, children also check the gifts in the stocking that they have hung near the fire place or near the Christmas tree. They also have a special sumptuous Christmas breakfast that includes puddings, cakes and special cookies that are all homemade and delicious.

The melodious carols sung by the carol singers in the vicinity make the occasion all the more special and memorable. The singers visit every house and sing melodious carols. Every member of the family come together to celebrate on Christmas mornings and have lunch or dinner together. Christmas mornings are one of the best times of the year for enjoying with your family and loved ones. The present day Santa Claus is varied different from the one that originated. With changing time and culture, there has been an immense evolution of modern day Santa clause. The celebrations usually begin with the selection of the tree, and carries on with the decorations till the day of Christ, when all the revelry takes place in front of this very tree. Gifts are placed under the tree, as family and friends gather around to celebrate the birth of Christ. Feel so fortunate, to have my family throughout the year, but especially, at Christmas time. When showing, my family just how much I love them and what exactly they mean to me. That is so very important to me. Christmas, for me is about being with family, loving each other and showing each other just exactly how we all feel.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Happy & Precious Diwali 2013 Best Wishes…


Diwali the festival of lights is arguably India’s biggest religious celebration. The Sanskrit word for it, Deepavali, translates into ‘row of lights’. Light symbolizes hope. House, Offices School and entire country are decorated with candles, earthen lamps and fairy lights on this auspicious moonless night. This is the one unifying facet of Diwali across regions. Diwali to the full extent is to celebrate it with your loved ones. It is the best way to forget all your troubles and problems for the time being. It helps in refreshing relations and giving everybody another chance. Overall, the five days of festival are a source of enjoyment for everyone. It is for this very reason that people try to express their love and feelings for each other by sending e-greeting cards to their loved ones.

It is a celebration time and people across the world are busy in enjoying festivals. On this Diwali, you might be getting many gifts and lots of sweets. It is actually time to dance, enjoy and celebrate. On this festival, I also like to give a small gift to you. A gift of self believes a gift to believe in the Power of Your Dreams.

A winner is neither made nor finished in one try this holds true except under one circumstance. That is as long as we don't give up or never try. I am reminded of situation after situation where persistence has won out. My friend, there is no rule that says we have to already be an expert before moving towards our dreams. Life will show us the way towards achievement if we only allow ourselves to remain focused on that which we want to see manifest in our lives. Believe in the power of your dreams even if no one else does because when you make them a reality it won't matter who doubted you.

If you think you are beaten you are;
If you think you dare not, you don't;
If you want to win but think you can't;
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose you're lost;
For out of the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in a state of mind.
Life's battles don't always go to the stronger and faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins is the man who thinks he can.

On this note, I like to wish you are your family a very happy, fun-filled and love-filled Diwali. Let these celebrations continue day after day...year-after-year. Let there be,

Many reasons in your life to celebrate.
Many moment of joy
Many reasons to smile and laugh
Many occasion of success and victory
Lots of happiness
Lots of love from people around you and particularly from those who are "special to you", "important to you" and are part of your life.