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A sunny Christmas for Delhi

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI DEC. 25. The Capital had much to cheer about with a "special" gift from Santa on Christmas morning -- the Sun. It might have been a cold beginning to the Yuletide festivities with churchgoers battling chill to attend the midnight mass, but Saint Nicholas had better plans in store for Delhiites this morning -- an end to the pre-Christmas "freeze''.

While the winter chill did not deter carol singers from ringing in Christmas, Santa's surprise brought with it a good dose of Christmas cheer. Decked up for the occasion with coloured lights, sparkling stars and Christmas trees, churches across the city welcomed their flock "warmly" this morning. And wearing their holiday best, people came out in large numbers to light candles and attend Christmas morning mass.

And though cable operators continued to play Uncle Scourge and blacked out favourite channels, South Delhiites found other ways to celebrate. A chance to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life -- a holiday in the middle of the week and bright sun -- families trooped out dressed in their bright best to the sunny lawns of India Gate. Armed with cameras and children in tow, it was a perfect Christmas "bonus".

There were some who wanted to take advantage of more than the sun. Extending the buying spree a little more, crowds thronged places like Dilli Haat and Ansal Plaza. "There were very attractive discounts and it was a perfect day to take advantage of the Christmas shopping excuse," said an enthusiastic shopper.

The spirit of the season seemed to be catching and the bright colours of red and green found their way everywhere -- including petrol pumps. With Santa standing at several petrol pumps to spread some Christmas cheer, it seems that the Capital is finally waking up to the joy of giving.

Cashing in on the Capital's newly-found enthusiasm for the festival, all leading five-star hotels had planned traditional Christmas lunches. A chance to enjoy a completely authentic experience - their menus included everything from stuffed turkey to rum pudding as dessert. Dressed for the occasion with bright tinsel and the dazzling Christmas trees they lined up celebrations through the day from the morning till late into the night. And there was something for everyone at hotel carnivals - rides for energetic kids, Santa and even an odd sledge. Grown ups, of course, had to be content with just good food.

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