Christmas 2012

So it was time to do a “Ho-ho-ho” a la Santa Claus. But we also did the “Ha-ha-ha”. With the good wishes of 'Santa Monthi' (left pic), we went on to do the “Ho-ho Ha-ha” as well. And furthermore, at the instance of Srichand Arora, we raised an extra laugh today – bursting into a joyous, full-throated “Ha-ha-ha-ha” at the end of the exercises. Merry Christmas everyone!
Monthi Serrao ushered in the Christmas spirit at the Garden by sending us a box of plum cake and a packet of luddoos. She obviously had her church obligations last night and this evening, she has a plane to catch for a year-end holiday in Sri Lanka. So busy with last-minute packing, she deputed Mrs Harbans Singh with all the goodies – luddoos for the vegans and cake for the eggitarians. It was a thoughtful gesture (how come no one thought of this before?) as a pasty tasteless “eggless cake”, especially on Christmas, would have ruined everything. So it did not come as any surprise when proclaimed vegetarians were seen digging into the box for those wonderful eggy cake slices. In fact, there were hardly any takers for the luddoos (bottom pic).
The only regret though, was that we could not thank Monthi in person. While some conveyed their gratitude “by proxy” through Mrs Singh, others like Kishor Babani sent a “cc” (as they do in e-mail messages). But it must be said to Monthi’s credit, were it not for her generosity, the essential values Christianity upholds in making us better persons would have escaped us. For “Christmas is forever, not for just one day,” as Norman Brooks famously wrote. “Loving, sharing and giving are not to be put away like bells and light and tinsel in some box upon a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do to yourself.” Thank you indeed, Monthi. And Merry Christmas once again!
Bhaswati Bose:
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way/ Santa Monthi's cakes have truly made our day!
Jagmohan Papneja:
* Monthi-ji, thank you very much for the delicious plum cake. It was just what we wanted and were looking forward to. Your thoughtfulness has brought us great joy. Our warm wishes to you and your family for a Merry Christmas.
* Merry Christmas to all the readers of BIG LAAF.