CHRISTMAS ESSAY - FIRST PRIZE

Irina Nazarova, EF 31(2)

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.”  (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Christmas… It sounds like music, doesn’t it? Snow-covered houses, adorned with garlands, illuminated streets… A little cozy room in a soft evening shade, a fine Christmas tree, and at night, when everybody has gone to bed, a jolly Santa Claus, appearing out of the chimney … I believe this picture is familiar to everybody, as Christmas is thought to call up only pleasant associations. Or, maybe, these are only childhood memories, ridiculous and naïve? By no means, our attitude to life changes with age. But isn’t there a chance to turn back the clock at least on this marvelous holiday?

When we are younger, everything is different to us: the stars seem closer, houses and trees – larger, and holidays – merrier and filled with magic, as every child expects something unusual to happen. I remember the joy of preparing homemade Christmas cards and designing a fancy dress for our school party together with my family. And, of course, creeping to the Christmas tree in the morning to see what Father Frost has left for me. Such moments, kept in our memories, sometimes help us through the hardships of life, so hard to bear sometimes.

You see, the daily routine causes our growing practical and even cynical with years. Yet, fortunately, there is a way to avoid our complete turn for the worse: as we grow older, there is more opportunity to make others happy and let their wishes come true. And, when you see your dearest’s brightened faces, you’ll find yourself ready to believe in wonders. And you’ll certainly believe and start making wishes, longing for presents, and peering into the darkness to see Santa driving in his sledge. Moreover, like a small child who has done something wrong, you may want to get better in the future, and that’s what others also do. The holiday mood shared by everybody is the one that makes Christmas so unique.

You may hear someone say they don’t like holiday rush, expenses for gifts and all this staff. To be honest, I don’t think they are sincere, for an open-hearted child always lives in us and is awake when Christmas comes. So why not indulge ourselves a bit on such a wonderful occasion? Wish, dream, take joy from this merry holiday and make others shine with delight, not only on this day, but throughout all the following years! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!