BE THE SANTA!
Never let the cloud of Coronavirus worries dim your Christmas lights, the onus is on you, to spread cheer
With uncertainty looming large and omicron coronavirus leading the rampage in most countries, there are new travel restrictions, test requirements and quarantine measures; Christmas holidays are usually the time when families from abroad come back home, kids return home from overseas and families get together for celebrations leading up to the New Year. All this is now up in the air with the virus spreading fear and numbers rising. Hence, Santa for the kids and the spirit and the gifting are about, “Believing in joy and goodwill which are positive thoughts, says Tania Samtani, owner of gift shop DroSto. “It’s a must for us to keep the Santa tradition alive for children who’ve really suffered due to lockdowns. And for the adults, becoming a Santa in nature and extending charity or gifts can only bring about positive change,” adds Tania.
HUMANITY AT ITS BEST
Communities are nothing if we do not at the very core celebrate festivals, at its heart, every society must have human connection and be able to lift on another up. In the past two years since Coronavirus struck, those bonds, that network of family, friends, colleagues, and even people-gazing at walkers on the street have been dramatically altered. “For
many Christmases this year are without a loved one by their side. And even worse, kids aren’t able to come down from overseas and be with their grieving parent. Hence, the concept of giving, spreading joy and being the Santa in someone’s life are crucial. We need to use this Christmas to give way for our humanity to shine through,” says social activist and cultural commentator Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, the Heir of the Nawab of Arcot.
SPREADING JOY
Archana Kalpathi, of AGS cinemas, says, “This season is about building communities and sustaining
the smiles of those who’ve been burdened by the economic downturn of Coronavirus. As an organisation we refuse to let uncertainty dim the festive spirit of the families that work with us and cinegoers too, deserve utmost health protection. We are taking extra efforts each day to build a foolproof system of health, hygiene around our establishments and with it also ensuring all our staff are taken care of, despite many organisations opting for job cuts. We believe that the soul of a city livens up because of the happiness quotient of its people. Each day that is my endeavour, to spread joy and continued prosperity.”