My Christmas Treasure

Christmas holidays are on. It’s drizzling cold outside. Bitter and frigid icy waves were timidly caressing the imperatorial sunrays.

I kept myself firmly affixed under my blanket.

“Tissa...get up and decorate the Christmas tree.” A stern and usual voice of my mother hit the ears. I tried to ignore the first call, but I couldn’t. I slowly got up and sat back. It’s really cold outside and I could see fog over my windowpane.

Christmas is on the way, the season to rejoice and applaud. Season of cakes, cookies, lights, candles, bell, Christmas carol...I loved it. But this year I have a different stance. My Christmas get its charm with the arrival of my dear cousin Reeni. Reeni is settled with her parents in the Middle East and usually visits us during Christmas vacation. But this year Covid pandemic has spoiled our plans. She intimated to me her helplessness. I too was aware of the scary scenario.

“Tissa... till when you are planning to sleep. Get up and help me in baking cakes.” I got the second call, and this was the last warning.

I reached downstairs. My mother was busy with arranging home, decorating Christmas tree and crib.

She gazed at me and asked, “What happened?”

 “Reeni....” I said in broken voice.

She stood speechless for a moment and came close to me. She looked straight into my puddled eyelashes which probably revealed the hurricane of emotional admix I am undergoing.

“Don’t get disheartened. Once we finish our task, we will go for an outing.” My mother embraced me.

I helped her and, in the afternoon, she took me for an outing.

While driving the car, she instantly asked “If Reeni would have been coming during these holidays, what would have been your Christmas gift for her?”

“I wished to gift her with bountiful books, storybooks; for you know reading is her passion.”

My mother kept mum and took me to a bookshop. She purchased dozens of books written by eminent authors. I was puzzled.

“Is she buying all these books to gift her during her next visit?” I felt strange.

“Why you bring them, mom?” She ignored my query and concentrated on driving. The car stopped in front of ‘Bethalahem Orphanage'.

“They too deserve a fun-filled Christmas surprise. They are deprived of other worldly pleasures. Let’s help them to be elated, let them realise their worth.”

We entered inside. I discovered small girls struggling hard to decorate their Christmas tree with handmade gift boxes and wrappers. They were laughing wholeheartedly and merrily singing carol songs, away from all aspersions. We gifted them with our small gifts. They started dancing and each one held our hands and whispered ‘God bless you.

Life is beautiful amidst all odds. We started back home. My mother said,” Are you still worried about your Christmas gift in return?”

“No mummy, their prayers and blessings will bestow me a bountiful year ahead. I am sure.” I said smilingly.

Mom also smiled mischievously and murmured " Christmas is an eve of unexpected surprises and blessings... let's cherish on countless blessings and bestow others with countless prayers."