“shokaale uthey dekhbo Santa Claus ki diechey, kokhun je aashbe…ghumeye pori tai dekha ei hoyenaa” (After waking up in the morning will see what Santa Claus gifted this year…would have seen him but always fall asleep). Basking in the nostalgia on Christmas morning. Today, I can’t stop myself from smiling recalling these words but every Christmas morning I would run to my parents showing them what Santa had left the previous night. I would always get my gifts under the pillow as I never kept the Socks. Well, I am sure on average we all have some experience and many after reading this will also bask in the nostalgic memory. The tradition goes on, yesterday it was us, today the kids who will have the same feelings as they grow up. This will go on…and on…

While I was thinking of these nostalgic memories standing at the window and trying to cherish the cold winter Christmas morning, I saw a small girl decked up at Christmas best excited to show her mother what she has received from Santa. Her mother was listening to her innocently with big eyes as if she knew nothing. Indeed a sweet moment. Perhaps the family was going for a Christmas day out and the mother-daughter were waiting for the father. This tiny tot has no idea that her Santa Claus whom she was so eager to meet was standing beside her.

I don’t know about you but I recall running to my parents after waking up excited to show the gift or gifts I received from Santa the previous night. When my parents would ask did I see Santa this time, I would lament and tell them I could not see as I was asleep and then would take the resolution that next time I will surely see him and thank him. My parents smile but the next time never came and I could never see Santa who came with a big sack full of gifts. I was told Santa comes on a sledge only after we are asleep. I can’t help laughing on myself as I too believed and did not question how can Santa come on his sledge in Delhi where there is no snow. Why we do not stay such innocent all through our lives.

One fine morning we grow up to know our parents are our Santa Claus. I often hear today’s kids are mature enough. They know what we did not know or were told. True and I appreciate this but at the same time, I feel there are certain things which they should know as they grow up. Knowing who Santa in real is may be a small thing but that moment to find gifts under the pillow or inside the socks holds the biggest treasures of life. These moments fill us with the nostalgia that provides the energy to live and cherish life. These special moments make our childhood memories so special…so nostalgic…

Thank you, Maa Baba, for being the Santa Claus…basking in the nostalgia on Christmas morning…