One of my most favorite months of the
calendar year. There's an old world charm to this month that hits you right
from the middle of November. Just the very thought that December is
approaching, is exciting, as though Santa was visiting you home in person.
Chennai is beautiful during this time, in fact, more beautiful during this
time, the very smell in the air has the name December written all over it. It's
as though the earth in itself gets prepared for the year end, that there's a
subtle chillness enveloping the atmosphere, so much so that when you place your
feet on the floor, you can feel the slight chill. Winter – so to speak, although we cannot be
boastful of a winter weather in Chennai, the chillness does a certain justice.
And then, the rains decide to add to the mushy lovey-dovey feeling too.
There's a dual harmony that aesthetically
coexists in the city – that of the December Margazhi Music Season and Carols.
While the festive lights from Diwali are still on at malls and shops around,
they suddenly transform into a red and green Christmassy look. Christmas trees
of all sizes with little Santa dolls, stars, bells, serial lights, gift boxes
hanging all around in decorative spirit. Time for plum cake, carols and
colder nights. It's that time of the year to play Secret Santa. Thankful to my
school days where I got to learn some carols! Somehow, you get drawn back to
childhood all over again. As if, we grow old throughout the year and lo and
behold in December, we are all children again – merry and bright!
And on the other hand, the afternoon sun in
December is kinder to you rendering enough warmth to keep you going for the
day. Sabha hopping during this time is a pleasure – there's music and love in
the air – ragas and carols in perfect symphony. From checking out the most
trending saree and outfit of the season to discovering what new raga is doing
the rounds in the town, December in Chennai, is pure joy.
December in itself has exquisiteness laden
in every day of the month that it is a pleasant time across most places –
painted red! Kerala is star studded during this time with almost every
household with the customary star hung outside. The three kings carrying frankincense
is only one step away from imagination…!
Time to reminisce in retrospect and be
grateful for the entire year. When January hits you, it doesn’t feel like this
whole new year ringing in or anything; it feels like an extension of December,
well until mid-January when you are already getting accustomed to using the
updated date format. It’s with mixed emotions and feelings that we eventually
get thrown into newness…! Resolutions? No… don’t wait for the new year, for it’s
too cliché. We have a new day, each day, that could be made use of instead!
December is just about being jolly…with the word JOY being heard loud, silently
in the head!
Happy December J
