Festive mood everywhere

Christmas mood is on. Shopping malls are full of Christmas decorations. These are mainly meant for the kids who accompany their parents on Christmas shopping.  They are having a wonderful time. Santa Claus is ready to pose for photographs with them. They get gifts from them, at least a sweet.  The shops are full of goodies. Christmas season being one of giving, everyone picks up gifts for their kith and kin.

Christmas trees in public places and street decorations are lit up in the nights. So are home decorations.  Singing of carols, parties and exchange of gifts at workplaces are all happening. All these put together gives a real festive atmosphere.

I spent an evening at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. For a non-Christian I found it a fine experience. The one-hour programme at dusk was held outdoors in the Hawkesbury District hospital premises. (Hawkesbury is a suburban district in Sydney.)

Leading the audience was the CEO of the hospital. A female community leader, Brenda Harrold organised the event supported by a group of enthusiasts. 

The Hawkesbury District Concert Band was in attendance to enhance the spirit along with the hospital choir who sang Christmas carols joined by those present.

The evening opened with the playing of bagpipes followed by singing by children’s choirs from local schools. They were well trained and showed skill in singing.

The pick of the evening was the performance by a group of young percussionists from a nearby public school. Using a variety of instruments the boys played popular Christmas numbers surprising everybody with their perfect timing.  Their first item was directed by a conductor but they were on their own in the other. They well deserved the huge applause they got.

As the lights around were switched off and the Christmas tree was lit up by the ‘Christmas Tree Angel’, kids with battery operated candles in their hands started running all over and enjoying themselves.

It was a simple but memorable experience.