Sagar
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: There was no mistaking the joyful, boisterous Christmas spirit that had youngsters across the city firmly in its hold.
Ahead of the big day, college students living in hostels away from home were seen shopping for decorations, trinkets and gifts.
One such example was Jaishree Charu (20), an XIMB student who was shopping for handicrafts at the National Craft Mela at Janata Maidan. “I don’t want to leave even a corner on the walls of my room undecorated, and I’m looking to fill my hands with everything that is beautiful here,” Jaishree said.
Charu recalled how a year ago she had worn a Santa Claus costume and distributed gifts among her friends in Kota, Rajasthan. “I wasn’t really sure about this city, but when I came to know that there will be a big Christmas bash at college, I was over the moon,” said the management student.
For youngsters, Christmas is all about fun, food, and partying with friends. Everyone joins in the celebrations, irrespective of faith. Some youngsters also go the extra length to share the festive spirit with the poor, by helping them with food and clothes.
For Divya Jyoti Mohapatra, a student of BJB College, Christmas is the day when he dons the role of Santa for poor kids on the street. “Every year, on Christmas morning, I walk down to the nearby slum wearing Santa’s dress, and distribute chocolates and some gifts to children living there,” said Mohapatra.
Another management student, Aakruti Dhawan, said she was most fond of Christmas cakes. “I just love Christmas cakes. I also like to go to church in the evening and sing carols on Christmas eve,” Dhawan said.
Sharmishta Mishra, a student of textile design, said she prefers to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. “I make delicious cakes at home with my mother and give them to my neighbours. In the evening, we dance together and throw a party,” she said with a smile.
“Christmas is about happiness,” said Neha Aggrawal, a student. “It’s time to forget bad memories and get together with your friends, patch up with ones whom you fought, and just let go. It’s all about living in harmony together.”
A student of applied art at Utkal University of Culture, Kush Kumar said he doesn’t celebrate Christmas in the traditional way like going to church or attending carols. “But yes, I like to distribute gifts and also ask for some from my friends,” said Kumar with a smile.
