It was December 23rd in the south of India. The warm weather almost made everybody forget that it’s almost Christmas! In all cases, what kind of Christmas would you expect to celebrate in a hospital anyhow?

 

The overall atmosphere was one of indifference: in Hindu India, Christmas is more remembered than celebrated really! And patients would not expect any change in diet or routine because of any celebration whatever it may be.

 

The many Americans, Germans, Swiss, Spaniards, and other nationalities which were willing to celebrate were in a wonder how to create a spirit in this overall gloomy place? What can be done to remind even themselves to actually celebrate?

 

One person had an idea: since there are no signs of Christmas, let’s make sum! Let’s create our own Christmas, and one we’ll never forget. As strange and wild as it sounded, many got excited! After dinner, around 9 o’clock, a small nock on the door of N.’s room announced a few people joining. M. brought a pack of 6 coloring pens, C. brought some white paper from the reception printer - the man standing there was wondering why would any patient need 20 white papers so late at night?

 

We started all looking wildly at the white papers, not sure where to start. M. held the first one and started drawing a star. N. held another one and with a red pen was outlining a Santa Clause. C. held a third and a reindeer was coming out. After a few funny attempts, we all started laughing at the hilariously small and skinny Santa and the wild reindeers and the awkward star. But the fun brought more people! R. brought a large box and covered it with white and red threads making it resemble Santa - in its own way. H. came with a pair of scissors so we can cut out our pieces of art. M. started making some wall decorations that could be stuck together with tape. K. brought her computer and N’s iPod was playing Christmas carols on it all night. The laughter and jokes woke the doctors finally who came in and saw the entire workshop active till late night, filling the halls with laughter and smiles. D. brought some paper cups which were stuck together to make bells after coloring them. F. brought old newspapers and started cutting out string decoration. L. was sitting on one side humming Christmas carols as she was far too old to hold a pen in her hand.

 

The real surprise was when C. came in and decided to create a small Nativity scene! We all thought this would be the wildest thing ever! A small collection of green leaves, wild flowers looking like trees, rocks, and shrubs was quickly gathered. Then R. presented her big surprise: a set of tiny statues representing Mary, Joseph and the Child. The Nativity Scene was in fact COMPLETE when someone hung the star created by M. at the top of the scene.

 

There was hardly time for everyone to get some sleep until Christmas Eve, but all expected it to be a very unique one.

 

December 24th morning was just like any other day: everyone busy on therapies and doctor’s visits and everything else usual in a hospital. But the sunset of the 24th announced the start of celebration! All went quietly up to the reception and started hanging the decorations all around, from one wall to the other and across the various pictures hanging and over the curtains. The Nativity Scene was situated right in the center on the meager table used for newspapers. Now all was ready! We planned to have dinner altogether…. in the reception!

 

Music went loud from the computers and giggles were heard from a distance. All the patients found the energy to join: sufferers from heart diseases, arthritis, broken bones, blocked arteries. And all other forms of illnesses were gathered and for one night, allowed to forget that they’re sick, and creating their own Christmas.

 

The food was particularly delicious and R. surprised us all with a special cake she ordered made from cinnamon and cardamom traditionally baked for Christmas in India. Food completed, we started singing We Wish you a Merry Christmas and watching the candles we decorated burn slowly as the night progressed. Some Indian music was used to remind us of where we are and a great surprise of a Brahmin Dancer was also there to complete the celebration.

 

No one remembers when everyone was ready for bed or what time they left for sleep or what happened the following morning, because all were drunk with the unexpected simple joy brought by the celebration we created in the middle of the hopeless realm we shared.

 

Years are coming and passing and more Christmases are visiting and going, but that one Christmas has left the most unique mark on everyone.

 

I wish you all the treasure of a happy Christmas where you can create your own celebration.

 

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