“Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy, gives himself by thought, word or deed, in every gift he bestows.”
The planters’ community too, celebrate this festive season with a lot of joy, pomp and merriment. The club is decorated with Christmas trees ribbons, baubles and all other Christmas embellishments. All the preparations start a few days before the allotted day for the Christmas party. All the tea children will vouch that there is excitement and enthusiasm all around, in a holiday mood with the schools closed and the cold weather that makes the atmosphere magical. The children wait eagerly for the gifts they had been wishing for so long from “Santa Claus”.
Every year the new trainee bachelor is selected to play Santa Claus, in each sub-district. One such year was particularly memorable- the WDC incident. (WDC- Western Dooars Club).
The honoured bachelor was singled out and he was all excited to be Santa Claus. As is customary, Santa Claus gets a gift (A prized bottle of cognac) for playing the part. All his bachelor friends, hovered around him to get a swig or two. This particular Santa Claus, being a tea-totaller did not mind sharing his gift with the others. However, his friends had other plans and spiked his soft drinks with cognac and by the time he looked like Santa, with his beard, belly, bell and all, his spirits had risen high and he was ready for a merry merry night.
Meanwhile, in the club, the children enjoyed the home-made goodies and bakes catered by the talented ladies. The spirit of Christmas was in the air. All of a sudden, an excited voice pipped out- “Santa is coming!” and all rushed to greet him, singing along to the tunes of “jingle bells”. The Santa Claus was seated on his special sleigh- a tractor decorated by the planters themselves. As his sleigh entered the porch, amidst the cheer a voice stood out- “Ho ho ho… ho ho ho… Have you been good, children? I have gifts for you all”. As he disembarked from the tractor, he proceeded to hold the hand of one of the mothers and kissed it! He then addressed his "bada memsaab", have you been good this year? I have a gift for you!" and went on to kiss her too as everyone around stared in stunned silence. Then he went around in circles dancing with all the ladies, holding their hands and kissing their palms. The ladies had the full attention of Santa Claus!
All his friends and seniors came to his rescue and managed to give the gifts to the children. The next day Santa and his friends went to each and every lady apologizing as their intentions were all good. To this day though, that year’s Santa Claus is remembered as the “Ladies’ Special Santa”.
He was forgiven and the jolly time and cheer continued. The weather was cold and foggy but everyone’s heart was warm and affectionate.
WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020!