Like Diwali in India, Christmas is a festival of lights in the Western countries...their only big festival to celebrate and decorate. It starts with the Christmas tree at home. Even offices are showing off their Christmas spirit by setting up a tree. There is Christmas music everywhere, in malls, restaurants, airports..Parks and Riverside lawns arrange Christmas lights in themes, every evening the whole month of December, these places are open for visitors to drive around and take pictures. We have read in story books that Santa visited homes for children, and we all know that it is just a fantasy..but Santa comes alive during this time, in malls and parks, sitting on a throne or his sledge, ready for pictures with children and families, one for a memorable album.

Most Houses are so amazingly decorated with lights during this month..it is so exciting to go on a car ride passing by these bright lit houses..tell me about the kids!! Guests come for the holidays and we love taking them for such rides after dark..never to forget the camera. Christmas treats are oh so famous around the world !! Be it the cold, lazy season or the festival spirit..show me one person who doesnot want to sit warm on a couch, sipping hot cocoa, craving sweets and cookies during this time of the year?! I am just waiting for my box of cookies our American friends send every year..this festive spirit starts in November with Thanksgiving and continues till end of year through Christmas. January is the weight loosing month for most, here. When are you visiting your friends and family in the western countries to taste these festivities ?!! Happy Christmas...Hohoho

-Prathyusha