HO HO HO! It`s time to be jolly! Santa Claus came to Dalhousie Institute with happiness overflowing.
Blessed is the season that draws the entire world into a love conspiracy. Christmas is approaching and getting into the Christmas spirit is always easier at the Dalhousie Institute.
Two years of padlocked DI gates, during the Christmas season, had seen many sad faces, but as the Bible reminds us, "good things come to those who wait." – and we are sure better times are on their way.
Dalhousie Institute celebrated the “Children’s Christmas Tree” on 18th of December 2022 with loads of merry making!
There were Christmas trees, lights, and lawn decorations in the colours of Christmas - the entire club was dressed up in Red Green and White. Our members also came dressed up in these enchanting colours.
Children were the most excited. They had gallons of fun activities – all safe and supervised for the event. The Play Zone had a Rockwall, Obstacle Course, Archery and Dizzy Ball. The swimming pool was transformed into a water adventure zone – there was Water Zorbing, Kayaking and a long adventurous queue of smiling faces.
There was also a Tummy Happy Corner for the Kids – which was serving popcorn and candyfloss. Many an adult looked wistfully at the corner hoping for a spare candyfloss coupon.
The fun activities weren’t only for the children - there was a super interesting Christmas Quiz, conducted by Barry and Raju, which saw participation from children and adults alike. Each right answer got a Chocolate. There were questions on Santa, reindeers, carols, and the Bible – all were enthusiastically answered by many.
Later the kids reassembled at Indoors@DI for a visit from the man from the North Pole. The Court was beautifully decorated with a Christmas Backdrop and a Glittering Selfie Corner – which we did not find empty for the next hour or so.
The seating was well arranged and age wise. The children with Uncles Barry and Raju welcomed Santa Claus singing Christmas carols. Our good old Santa came with gifts for all. We saw some children praying with closed eyes for their Christmas gifts lest Santa forgets.
Santa Claus’s gift distribution was seamlessly done by our team members and the contented faces of the children was our greatest takeaway from this hour of the Santa Claus.
Delicious Snacks, Christmas Cakes and Tea was served at the swimming pool for the adults, and at Indoors@DI for the children. There were four tea counters for our adult members to enjoy. After all, what’s an afternoon without tea?
The environment was infectious with smiling happy faces of adults and children alike. Our communications team member spoke to quite a few kids and their parents present at DI on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. Here are some sound bytes:
Arshita Chawla who has been a member since her childhood and has grown through the club said: “The club being closed for so long was literally a setback for all of us. Right now, my kids are growing up, (I) wanted them to continue like I did, feels really nice that almost after two and a half years they are coming into the club, so it really feels great to be here with everybody.” Arshita’s daughter Reva and son Samar added that they were having “too much fun” while waiting in the queue for the water roller. Reva studies in South City International School in Class 4.
Ridhaan, who lives in Pune, had come down to his hometown and did not want to miss the Christmas Event at DI.
Vishaka Kumar’s daughter is in class 10 and she was extremely excited that the club has opened its doors again and they are happy to be back.
Suhana, a junior member of DI from Modern High School said she was really happy to come back to the club and felt that everything is going back to normal. This feeling was echoed by Vishal, another junior.
Keisha said this event was the first time of coming back to the club since its closure and she never expected the club to be so festive again and she was extremely happy to be back.
Rafa and his friends mentioned the Water Zorbing was really good, and the Candy Floss and Popcorn were the best part.
Nahida Khanom, a member of DI for the last 10 years, said DI is more of a home than a Club. All the years that DI was shut she literally felt she was in a box and she and her family is extremely glad that it is open again, she mentioned that coming back to DI is coming back to one’s own entertainment zone.
Akriti whose family has been members for years, comes back from Sydney every December to participate in the DI events, she’s happy to be back this year too. Dean is back after 4 years to Kolkata and said it is great to be back.
Atrisha Bhattacharya, mentioned that the self-service was a great decision, it is easier, faster and better for the club’s environment. Don’t we all agree to that? Oh yes!
We have pushed past the challenges and struggles, and the time has come for us to enjoy the present. Christmas has brought us together, and the Santa story reinforces these bonds. Christmas and Santa Claus wave a magic wand over the world, and lo and behold, everything softens and becomes more beautiful. As the wise say, at Dalhousie Institute - Christmas isn't a season, it's an emotion.
More pictures on our Facebook Album.
