While we stereotypically associate Christmas with cold weather, snow and hot chocolate, us Mauritians tend to experience FOMO, (fear of missing out), because of our humid, hotter-than-ever summer during the month of December. How could we not, upon seeing big cities such as London, New York, among others, filled with massive Christmas trees with snow-covered branches and Christmas carolers? However, the lack of frostbitten fingers should not dampen our holiday spirit, much less our Christmas excitement! Instead, we should enjoy the holiday season, see it as a much-needed distraction from a very hectic school year, and soak in that once-in-a-year feeling one can only experience during the magical month of December. So, how can you almost feel like Santa Claus is actually coming to town?
Watch feel-good Christmas movies
Okay, we all know Dr. Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (directed by Ron Howard) is not the most aesthetically-pleasing movie one could watch-but Mr. Grinch’s green fluffy costume grows on you…after some time. Getting sucked into the captivating town of ‘Whoville’ might just be exactly the way to pretend your town is filled with Christmas lights. Otherwise, being a super brave eight-year-old that puts up a fight with notorious robbers might fascinate you, if that’s more your cup of tea. Chris Columbus’s ‘Home Alone’ franchise is definitely a must re-watch this Christmas season.
Bake festive cakes
Cookies are a staple when celebrating Christmas, no matter where you are in the world. While we may not have gingerbread houses for sale in supermarkets, you can definitely experiment with some easy gingerbread cookie recipes. If you are feeling particularly inspired, why not even try making a variety of Christmas cookies to share with your family? And although it might be too hot outside to pair them with hot chocolate, some cold milkshake, on the other hand…not too bad of a substitute, really.
Decorate your room, or house, to the best of your abilities
It is difficult to really feel like Christmas is coming if your surroundings do not reflect it, so even if putting up a tree might not always be possible, there are always ways to brighten up your environment. DIY Christmas ornaments, fairy lights, and Christmas garlands are few examples of the decor that can be used in your room or even in your house. Stockings and Santa hats are also very fun to hang around. This might even awaken some creative abilities among many, so there really is no downside.
Spend quality time with your loved ones
All the above listed will do little to nothing to get in the mood for festivities if we are not spending time doing all these activities with our friends and family. While it might not seem obvious, cherishing prime moments with your loved ones could help lift your spirits. So, do not forget to drag your siblings, parents, or even pets into doing Christmas decorating or baking with you. Even better, why not make everyone wear reindeer antlers headbands while doing them?
It is clearly not productive to mope around during holiday season simply because we do not experience movie-like ‘White Christmases’, so let’s all adapt an optimistic mindset and end 2021 with happy, festive spirits. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
Written by: Shreya P. Aubeelack
Editors: Khisha Callicharrun