Our First Advent: A Simple Path to a More Meaningful Christmas

Brass crucifix illuminated by the warm glow of a candle

My alarm goes off at 5:00 AM, then 5:30, 5:40, and one last time at 5:45 AM. Then, I tell myself, "it is now or never, so just get the hell up and do what you have to, even when it feels like you can't." 

In the living room, I am greeted by strong, cold winds and whispers seeping in through the darkness. Winter is here, the days are shorter, the nights are long. The dark nights do not let the days out very early, suffocating them for as long as they can. I tighten my woollen shrug and drown my palms in its pockets. I close a window or two and hear the cries of community dogs, cold and hungry in the night, with nobody to call their own. Outside, on the dimly lit, misty street, I see milkmen on bicycles and milk vans lining up to do their daily duties - delivering the daily bread, milk, and other life essentials for sustenance for the old, for the young. 

The tea is brewing on the stove in my dimly lit kitchen. I pick up my mobile phone and play the chants of Lord Ganesh - my favourite God, who brings back so many childhood memories of times spent in his worship when he used to visit my maternal grandparents' house. My grandparents are no longer with us, but their legacy endures. Now, those moments play in my mind. With age, I find them becoming blurry, and I worry that one day, they might be erased from my mind completely. I dread that. We all need that one escape from reality. Imagine life without it. What is life, then? Survival mode. 

Having said that, we are always taught to look on the brighter side of things; to take things in our stride, make compromises and adjust, because there are so many people in circumstances worse than our own; we must think about them and draw our courage to go on in life, no matter how impossible it seems. And, therefore, we ought to be happy. 

That is the dark and gloomy stuff. Let us change our mood a little bit.

Alas! Winter is here, and so is the time for the season to be jolly. Soon, I will curl up on the couch with my daughter and watch our favourite Christmas movies together. We will decorate our real Christmas tree with fairy lights, angels, stars, and other glossy knick-knacks. 

This year, I have pledged to make this Christmas count. Being a non-Christian, but a believer in all faiths, I find that Christmas celebrations are cliched - the Christmas tree, the decorations, the lights, the sweets, the ubiquitous 'funfair' in residential societies, mega sales, grand Christmas tree installations in malls, a Santa Claus in playschools, that render this deep and profound occasion as a hyper-commercialised commodity. But what is the true meaning and spirit of Christmas? 

Monochrome image of a crucifix highlighted by gentle contrasts of light and shadow.

It lies in the tolling of the Church bells, in the families and community that pray, sing carols, and laugh together. It lies in the joy of giving and sharing, not just feasting on mulled wine and divine cake.

So, that is Christmas for you. However, I always wondered when exactly we begin preparing for Christmas. Is it 5 days before the birth of the baby Jesus? 10 days? 15 days? I really didn't know. And this surprised me, for Christmas is one of my favourite festivals after Ganpati.

Google, my old friend, says that Christmas preparations start on the first day of Advent, which begins 25 days before Christmas Day. And thus began my journey of exploring Advent, its significance, and what it symbolises. When I discovered more, I regretted not having known about it earlier. Advent is the start of the preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It includes a simple yet wholesome ritual of lighting a candle each Sunday until Christmas Day in the centre of a wreath with holly leaves; one can add other decorations too, as there are no limitations - belief is what counts the most. 

The first two candles are a deep, rich purple, signifying Hope and Faith. The third and fourth candles are pink and purple (again), representing Joy and Peace. The final candle is the white Christ Candle, which is to be lit on his day of birth.

Lit purple Advent candle glowing softly against a wreath decorated with fairy lights.

I began my observance of Advent today, sharing some glimpses of the setup - nothing too jazzy, loud, or fancy, just sincere. An artificial wreath and green fairy lights, in a blessed home filled with contentment and happiness. A home where children's laughter echoes, where the aroma of Sunday's cooking made with love and patience drifts through. A home that rests when tired, nourishes and nurtures, and keeps us safe. 

Sundays are perfect to keep my daughter busy and screen-free. She bribed her closest friends with cake to help her decorate the Christmas tree and make Santa Claus from sugar fondant, thanks to her grandmother, a celebrated baker and food creator! Board games and mischief followed, and goodbyes concluded the day. It was indeed a wonderful First Sunday of Advent. So much better than taking the children to a mall, where they become mere consumers. They learned so much right here in the heart of home, and so did I. 

Happy Advent! Until I write again.

Warmly lit corner of a living room decorated for the Advent season.

      

A busy dining table with fondant-making tools, food colours, etc.

                

Handmade fondant Santa Claus decorations displayed on a plate, created by children

A source of Artspiration - The Art Book Center, Ahmedabad

We blame our big cities for being too fast, crowded, polluted and dirty. We curse the 'fast life' for making everything so hectic, robbing us off our time and peace of mind. But, if we pause and take a closer look, it is these very cities that hold rare and hidden gems that, fortunately, not many people know or care about. That gives explorers like myself the rare opportunity to visit them and immerse my senses into their spaces. 

These days, my weekend plans rarely include a trip to the mall or going for a movie. Instead, my heart is set on exploring history, culture, people, food - all important facets of the human story, our story. 

The Art Book Center was a pleasant surprise that welcomed me on an ordinary day. All thanks to my husband who convinced me despite all my doubting of his decision. On the side of a busy lane in the erstwhile hamlet of Madalpur, Ellisbridge, stands a two-story heritage structure beaming with bright colours of vivid red, turmeric yellow, and deep blue, adorned with decorations, handloom tapestries, trinkets, and all kinds of strange objects. 

A board identified it as, 'Art Book Center'. In the verandah sat a stern-looking, silver-haired man, glaring at me made me anxious. After a few fleeting eye contacts, I proceeded to the narrow lane looking for an entrance into the century-old building. Similar houses dotted the lane on both sides giving me a taste of Ahmedabad's days of old. The people seemed welcoming, friendly, helpful. One of them was kind enough to guide me in the right direction. 

The neighbourhood of Madalpur

The first floor of the Art Book Center

As I opened the beige-coloured narrow door, I reached a small landing, the wall had a decorative cloth framed on it. On the right was a steep wooden staircase - the whole scene created a bit of drama. It was quiet as I walked up the stairs that led me to a little yellow and red-painted gate. I opened it and went inside glancing at the little mirrors, hangings, and other playful objects that came alive giving the crammed space a timeless, artsy and bohemian aura. 

The chirpy coloured gate at the shop’s entrance

To the left, I was surprised to see the stern-looking and phlegmatic man now smiling and welcoming me to his haven of books. I entered a small room which was actually a house; it had another room in it both stacked with books of various sizes, vivd textures and colours. It seemed as if the room had no walls, just books piles to support the structure. 

Vintage and antique objects - A collector's paradise

The man proudly introduced himself as the owner of the 'Art Book Center' and started telling me the story of how it all began. While the man rattled on about his past, I glanced around the small square of a room. I was amazed at the expanse and depth that the rich collection of books lent it. It didn't matter that it was a small and humble space - the history, art, heritage, stories enriched it; the crystals, evil eye amulets, and other mysterious vintage items, that overwhelmed the shelves, gave it an unparalleled aura of mystery combined with curiosity and wonder. Even the most fancy and grand edifice would dull in its comparison. 

Manhar Bhai admires his collection

Manhar Bhai proudly told me about his deep love and passion for Indian textiles, handlooms, art and architecture; it was evident from his voracious collection which he boasted had been lauded by several celebrities and foreign visitors. The more we conversed, the more he got comfortable. He was featured on several media platforms, yet he maintained his humility. His son has joined the book selling business, he shares.

After many conversations and explorations, I picked up a book on the elements of Indian art; I ensured I picked something that was light on the pocket. The Art Book Center's collection isn't exactly cheap. Some collectors' books and other items run into the thousands, thanks to their rareness and the willingness of collectors to part with large sums of money to possess them. 

Just before I took his leave, Manhar Bhai said something to me. He said, "I can tell you are a good person by looking at your toes." I thanked him for his kind words, but was'nt surprised by the illogical statement; how can someone's toes be the judge of a person's character one may wonder. However, such statements are common. In the days of old, many an elder would judge one's character by the shape of their nose, the outline of one's face, etc. The logic? Nobody knows. 

For interesting conversations and to immerse into a magical world, visit Art Book Center at: https://www.artbookcenter.net/ .

Photo Stories: Frangipani Blossoms

You have to see it to believe it. The frangipani tree in the courtyard which lies in the heart of @siolimhouse is a sight for sore eyes. I loved watching its lightly fragrant blossoms sway in the summer breeze while sipping afternoon tea. The beautifully restored glass window is like a book that opens up to a story waiting to be read and told.