December is a month loaded with dejavu. It is a time to reflect and refresh ones soul, without any mythical hallucinations! 2022 would be a year with an assortment of memories, which could be reminisced in another two decades, for me! Today I thought of sharing some blissful and funny flashbacks from my childhood and teenage years. My awkward heading will be explained as this yuletide narrative unfolds. Christmas is a very sweet memory, quite literally for some of us. One of the beautiful memories was going to Lathifia Stores in Pettah to buy ingredients for my mother’s succulent Christmas cake. Main Street in Pettah was and will be a crowded venue. For those of us born in the late 1970s Titus Stores was the happening place for new toys.
Once the cake ingredients are cut to precision, they were carefully stored in plastic containers until they are united in culinary matrimony to the flour, egg whites and brandy a few days later. One December night a bold and enterprising rat being duly aroused by this alluring fragrance had decided to descend from the roof. This rotund rodent awoke my alert father, who put the lights on and began to chase the rat. The confused rat had no clear escape as it slipped and swayed on the immaculately polished red floor. When the front door was opened the bewildered rat made a final dart to safety. Decades ago this was my first viewing of Fast and Furious- before the movie hit Hollywood.
We had a meandering cat (not belonging to any particular residence) that was fed occasionally with fish. That lazy creature was perched on the wall observing this rat race. Perhaps if there was a feline law the tabby cat could have been charged for negligence during night duty!!!
Needless to say Christmas trees were on display in all homes- including our dear Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim neighbours. That is the wonderful essence of Christmas. I remind myself that it’s the different decorations which enhance the evergreen Christmas tree. So it is in life dear readers. The people around us represent various cultures, religious faiths and languages. Beauty in life comes from Diversity. As a wise sage said we are all children from the tree of humanity.
Singing carols is synonymous with Christmas. One year we had gone caroling and it was almost midnight. My uncle Godfrey (presently living in Australia) led us to a residence, holding a flashlight. We assembled at the door of a large house in formation and sang our hearts out. Somewhere in the second verse of the solemn hymn Silent Night, a window swung open and a light came on. This was followed by a loud voice.
I instantly recognized that this was not the divine voice of the Archangel, but the voice of an irritated man, whose sleep had been suddenly invaded. We had gone to the wrong address. This moody soul let out a volley of uncouth words and a dire warning. The choir rapidly exited, amidst the barking of some frenzied dogs, and distant fire crackers! Far from a silent night, don’t you agree?
Cooking brings people together. I can recall the many lunches and dinners during those golden days, when we cooked and celebrated. Some of the lovely Burgher aunties, who treated us to delightful cakes and invigorating wines, are now domiciled in the celestial realm. The signature dishes at home were beef and pork, presented in many stunning ways. I have a jolly uncle from Canada who makes his annual Christmas visit to our paradise island. This soul takes absolute pleasure in cooking. I duly mastered the art of making the spice laden beef smore from him. This is best relished with mulled wine, an intricate yuletide art which is not appreciated by this digitally dominated generation. Christmas is not always about food. One must nourish the human soul with love, forgiveness and faith too.
The evenings yielded picture perfect sunsets across the Dehiwela beach, a view we enjoyed from our rooftop at home. One evening there was a party, with many of dads mutual friends. During this time of extended fellowship one senior, raised the million dollar question as to the origin of French fries. Answers flew in from across the table with various country names covering all of Europe and how potatoes should be cut and so on.
One lesson I learnt that day was to appreciate the good things in life, without probing and nurturing doubt. We can’t cast doubt on matters we don’t understand. The uncles spoke earnestly about food and less passionately about health. One senior exclaimed he would start walking on the beach (as exercise) on the day the sky turned purple. We knew this was an excuse. The sky would never become purple- at least on planet earth. Remember that as we go into 2023 it’s important to be positive and focused on whatever resolutions we have made- without making excuses. We will face challenges. God’s divine grace is always sufficient. Make hope the motivating essence of your life. The sun receded gracefully that day in December, knowing it will shine again tomorrow, victoriously.
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