Arbit wisdom

There is a thin line between self pity and narcissism...

December

December's here. But it is so unlike from what it used to be. Not so long ago, it was that time of the year when I used to eagerly await the first snowfall of the season. The first fall would mean that our school would commence the much cherished winter vacation. Three months of freedom; a period of no early morning rush, no schoolbus, no classes. It was sheer bliss being cuddled up in a thick quilt till late in the morning with the temperature at near freezing outside. The thought that I could give in to this laziness without any disturbances is by far the greatest freedom I've ever known. And then there was a steaming cup of 'kahwa' garnished with almonds and saffron waiting by the bedside. The 'noble' intention of my Ma was that it would aid in beating the chill, but the underlying motive was to chase away my slumber. With the school not in the picture, she had no substantial reason to pull me out of the confines of my cozy quilt. And more often than not, it helped her while I helped myself to breakfast, sitting by the 'bukhari'. There were 'winter assignments' to worry about. But they got my attention in the last 10 days of the holidays. The other 80 odd days were for absolute indulgence. Making snow-mans was a great time-pass. Snowball fights were another. Making 'ice candies' by mixing snow and the milk and sugar stolen from the kitchen was a break between the two activities. Not getting caught doing the three was adventure. Not having chapped hands & lips & cheeks was shame/sissiness/sacrilege because it provided evidence that you didn’t pull off those four feats. Visiting all my relatives and staying at their place for a minimum of three or four days was a ritual. Returning with a cousin or two and making them stay at my home was hospitality. Playing 'indoor cricket' was sport. Breaking something during the sport was doom. In the evening, facing my Dad who was armed with updates from Ma, was war. The whole family having dinner together was truce. And finally, returning to the warm confines of my quilt was euphoria because I knew December would stay through January and February.
December's here. And it will be so unlike from what it used to be...