As I sit and write this column, my mind is full of nostalgia about the way we used to celebrate Christmas in India. India, as you know, is predominantly a Hindu country, yet the influence of Christians is quite visible. Many of the English medium schools, for example, are run by Catholic missions, and it is from them that we learned about the tradition of Christmas. India today has a sizeble Christian population, and we are proud of our Christmas tradition. Christmas is a public holiday for all, and all Indians join our Christian country men in celebrating the holiday with the same gusto with which Christians celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali.

But the way Christmas is celebrated in India is quite different - its more a religious celebration and a time for contemplation than a mad rush to the mall worrying about gift giving. Families go to Church to celebrate mass and then visit each others home to wish them a Merry Christmas. I have to say though, that now that I have a daughter of my own, I find a lot of joy shopping gifts for her and her little friends! Yes, Santa does visit this Hindu household!!

So today as I think about the old country, and old friends I left behind, I want to wish my American friends a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. May Santa bring you and your families lots of joy.