"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere in DI." This was the first thought that came to my mind, as the Annual Christmas Light Up Event was celebrated on Friday the 13th of December at Lawns@DI.

Though Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition, there wasn't anything remotely connected to the bad omen, as the power of the festive season took centre stage once the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations were unveiled at The DI last evening.

 

The MCs for the said evening were Lorraine White & Shaheen Faiyaz. They appeared to be more than happy to be taking charge of the event with kids surrounding both of them with much enthusiasm. They spoke on the symbols of Christmas depicted through lights, with every symbol having a meaning.

A tradition which started a little over fifteen years ago, where a team of people from Chandannagar (so called Best in Bengal's business of lights) come to DI to create and provide what they are best in - Awesome Lighting!

The club was decorated with Stars in all corners and on the roofs. The Christmas Star being the symbol of the star of Bethlehem, which according to the Biblical story, guided the three kings, or wise men, to the baby Jesus. We had Angels outside the Library blessing all the members with their presence. An Angel had appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Christ.

There were candles decorating the food counters. The candle, a mirror of starlight, is also a symbol representing the star of Bethlehem. Uncle Alan's Park was lit with 'Gifts with a Bow'. It is believed that those who brought their gifts to to honor the birth of Jesus, inspired the concept of giving gifts during the festivity season. Bright coloured candy canes were also present on the food court, with the red stripe representing Christ's sacrifice, and the white standing for his purity. Mistletoe were also a part of the decorations at the food court.

 

A Christmas Tree with bright green colour light and decorations was on the stage, with gifts wrapped all along it. Our member kids were specially advised that the gifts were a part of the decorations, and not for them to take home. It was hard for them to believe this though! Another beautifully light up Christmas Tree adorned the lawn.

 

Finally, Santa Claus, the most loved symbol of Christmas was waiting for all of us at the end of the lawns. Personally, it was 'the corner' of the evening, as anytime i see Santa Claus in any form, it brings out the child in me, as it would do for the most of us.

Fellow member Manish Jain summed up the feel of the evening perfectly by saying that the month of December is always special at The DI, and the Christmas Light Up Event is the perfect way to start the festive season.

On an ending note, i would like to add that while every other club might be celebrating Christmas, The DI actually lives and breathes the Christmas season.

Wishing everyone A Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. Happy Clubbing.