The community of Jag Prakash had Christmas celebration for the various groups of our mission. On 20th December, we celebrated Christmas with the children of Village Education Programme. The campus was filled with the chatter and laughter of around 200 children who came from different villages. One could easily notice the excitement of Christmas in the children’s eyes. There were a variety of performances by the children instilling in all the Spirit of Christmas. A student dressed as Santa Claus paraded through the auditorium cheering and singing songs of Christmas, handing out Christmas candies. The programme concluded by a Christmas Message by Sr. Nayana Vankar, distribution of snacks and gifts to all the children. Each teacher also received a gift on this occasion. Everyone enjoyed dancing to the rhythm of Special Christmas Garba music. All returned back home happily with the joy of Christmas.
On 22nd December we had a distinct Christmas celebration for the Tailoring Students, Workers and Boarders. The Tailoring Students staged a few programme after which Sr. Nayana Vankar gave a short speech on Christmas. A token gift and sweets were distributed to each of the students. The workers joined us for lunch. In the evening we had the celebration with the boarding children who were eagerly looking forward for this day. There were a variety of performances, the best being the skit “Christmas is not about receiving, but about giving” communicating the true message of Christmas. Each of the boarders received a new dress, sponsored by a generous parent and a gift box from a Christian organization called the “Samaritan Group.
Christmas Celebration in the school was held on 23rd December. The students came to school wearing beautiful dresses. For a good number of them it was the first offline Christmas celebration as last year Christmas was celebrated online. There was a lot of excitement in the children as they assembled in the courtyard for the celebration. The children staged few programmes. Sr. Rita Dora Thomas spoke to them about the significance of Christmas. The children of the KG children were given gifts and all were given sweets. The decorated stage, the crib, the stars, the Christmas tree and the Santa Clause the entire surrounding brought lots of cheer and excitement in everyone.
Christmas is also a time of sharing. 10 poor families from Pansora village were invited to be part of our celebration. The community and the boarders wished them the blessings of Christmas with a prayer moment, and with a short programme. Each of them were given box with foodstuffs and snacks. Bright smiles on each of their faces was indeed a fulfilling reward. The boundless joy of celebrating the festival was evident on the faces of all. “May the true spirit of Christmas linger in our hearts always.
