If every day was Christmas
View(s):Joanna Adams Jayawardana is many things at once-Compeer, Voicing artist, owner of JHA solutions Pvt Ltd and TV presenter at ART Television. This week on ‘What Christmas Means To Me’she tells us why she wishes everyday was Christmas
This Christmas the décor was up by the 1st of December. Before I got married, it used to happen somewhere around the 18th or 20th but my husband Rajive and I were so excited about our first Christmas that everything was up by December 1.
Joanna Adamas with her her husband
Christmas is such a lovely time of year. Everything changes-the music on the radio when you’re driving around, the decor up in places you go to and people seem a little more giving during the season (although I think you don’t need a special season, time or day to give to those who aren’t as fortunate as you) it just has a feeling about it that makes it kind of magical.
When I hear Nat King Cole’s ‘The Christmas Song’ on the radio it feels like the season has begun. Or if I smell rich cake baking in the oven-that’s the smell of Christmas for me.
My favourite Christmas memories as a child are from when I was five years old, and then later as a 11 year old. When I was 5 – I still remember getting a giant stocking to fill with all my gifts and treats when we went visiting the extended family.
When I was 11 it was wonderful because all the family members who were overseas were down as well, and it was the first complete family gathering.
But then again all of them stand out because every year it was full of laughter, gifts and huge meals! The one that I remember the most was the last Christmas we had my mum with us. She passed away five years ago. It was so great and I wish I could do it again.
Our Christmas routine is fairly established. Before Christmas it’s always about putting up the tree and making the cake with mum at home.
Christmas eve is for cleaning up and doing the final touch-ups, getting ready for midnight service, putting the gifts under the tree and having the cake and wine servings ready for when we get back.
The 25th is crazy because there are a lot of visits and food, food, food. Boxing Day is for recovering after the festivities!
This year my husband and I are looking forward to our first Christmas together. For me, the season is about family and spending time with the people I love. So given the choice, I’d always spend it in Sri Lanka because this is home for me.