First quiet Christmas without father
Christmas will be different for Saras Chandra and her family this year as they remember the passing of her husband early this year.
Mrs Chandra, together with her six children and eight grandchildren, is planning to visit the late Suresh Chandra’s gravesite as part of the family’s Christmas celebrations.
She said losing a family member was no easy journey, however, it brings families together to remember them.
Family Christmas plans
A family gathering is planned for Christmas day as Mrs Chandra’s children and grandchildren also plan to visit her in Nakasi.
“This is the family’s first Christmas without my husband and while we miss him, we have all planned to come together and cook up some food and just enjoy each other’s company.
“Just being around my family is enough for Christmas because they make me happy,” she said.
For Mrs Chandra, celebrating Christmas is a family tradition that involves cooking up a hot meal to donate to the homeless.
She plans on continuing this tradition this year despite the challenges the pandemic may have caused.
“I do this every year with my family and the women’s prayer group that I am part of because giving back to our fellow brothers and sisters is Christmas in itself. We need to share with others what we have because Christmas is about love so we need to love the less fortunate by sharing our food,” Mrs Chandra said.
Living true to her mission, Mrs Chandra is planning to buy groceries to donate to the homeless.
Her plan is to make her donations before breakfast on Christmas Day.
“I believe that Christ was born to help us share his love to our families, friends and neighbors. Christmas happens every year and it is not just about feasting and merry making, we also need to also think of those who have less that we need to help during this festive season,” she said.
Her eight grandchildren are planning to perform an item to entertain the family during Christmas day as part of the planned day activities.
As schools remained closed during the pandemic period, she said her grandchildren missed school and wanted to return to class.
She hopes this Christmas would lift their spirits and enjoy the festive season before going back to school.