That feeling of Christmas
Christmas is nearly upon us and the familiar feeling that everything will be alright, lingers in the air. Come the next few days, the streets would start to bustle with shoppers frantically running about, trying to get everything on their lists. Sooner, just as the 24th draws closer, you’d find vendors putting up Cyprus trees for sale and the smell of it would no doubt remind you that it’s Christmas.
This week we caught up with three different personalities who tell us what it’s like in their households during the season.
A time for family to come together – Ishan
Ishan
When it comes to most musicians, the start of December would also mean lots of concerts and a busier schedule than usual. To Ishan De Lanerolle this is no different.
We catch him shortly after ‘Darkness into light,’ a show put together by ‘the choir of the cathedral of Christ the living savior,’ which Ishan directs.
He tells us that aside from Christmas being special because it is the birth of Christ, it is also a period he cherishes since the whole family comes together to spend time with each other.
Ishan explains that during December almost every day is a function. The brothers also embark on their annual trip to Singapore for Christmas, where they will conduct several shows on Orchard Road Singapore.
To Ishan and his family every Christmas starts in church with the midnight service. This is a tradition they follow, no matter where they are in the world. The next morning the family would end up going to a hotel for a good chat and a hearty Christmas lunch. “I must not forget the opening of the presents,” he adds with a chuckle.
Ishan recalls the times where though they’d spend Christmas day in Singapore the family would catch a flight back, to arrive in Sri Lanka before evening. “My wife loves to have Christmas dinner and she is a wonderful cook,” he says adding that the whole family would later come over for dinner and partake in the Christmas spirit.
Whilst noting that Christmas is a time meant to be spent with family and friends, Ishan also notes that one must not forget the lonely people who are in despair and hunger.
He recalls that as children his parents always taught them to share with the less fortunate. And Ishan lives with this principle throughout the year. After all this was Jesus’ teaching too.
Making time to enjoy the season with family and friends– Yazmin
Next up was Yazmin Yousuf, a renowned radio personality and also the founder of decbel.lk
Yazmin. Pic courtesy -Eranga Pilimatalawwe
. The season could be a busy time for a radio show host. But, nevertheless, Yazmin still finds the time to enjoy Christmas day, she tells us.
Yazmin is not a Christian. But that never stopped both her and her parents from celebrating the season. “My dad converted to Islam but Christmas never left him or my family.” She explains Christmas is everything Jesus intended it to be, which is about family. His day brought the world together and it still does even many years after he ascended to heaven.
Yazmin loves everything about Christmas (except the dollar rate this season) and she celebrates it both at her home and her friend Maria’s place. “Maria’s Christmas feasts are epic.” “Her mum enjoys decorating fir branches and cooks up a special meal at home,” she adds.
A special time of childhood memories – Harpo
We step away from the music world and into the culinary world which could get equally busy, if not busier during Christmas. To Harpo Gooneratne, the Managing Director of Harpo’s Restaurants and Cafes, Christmas has always been special.
One of his fondest memories as a child was to go Christmas shopping with his parents. He recalls stopping at Akasa Kade for a hearty lunch afterwards, which he adds, was the best part.
Harpo
Today Harpo runs his own chain of restaurants that offer several seasonal specials. On a personal level, Harpo looks at Christmas in a traditional sense. He tells us it’s a time of celebration as well as a day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.
Harpo also believes that Christmas signifies coming together. His restaurants uphold this belief and strive to bring people together this Christmas.
The Harpo’s group has for the past 13 years put together an annual charity programme at the Community Concern Centre. This year is no different. Owing to this initiative the disadvantaged children of the home get the chance to do everything that is Christmassy includes singing carols and receiving gifts from Santa Clause too. But the group’s work isn’t limited to this alone. As Harpo tells us, they also provide breakfast at the home on a daily basis.
As our three personalities point out Christmas is much more than just a celebration. It is also a time for giving, family and love. It is also about bringing joy to all those around you and that’s definitely something to think about this Christmas.