Colombo started showing the first signs of the festive season way back in November, with hotels and restaurants organising traditional tree light up and cake mixing events and curating special menus for the season.
As the days went by and 25 December approached, Colombo slowly lit up, with decorations of all forms and colours turning the city into a Christmas wonderland. While being conscious of the economic crisis we are currently facing, the festive season has also offered a respite to those who have been on survival mode not just for most of the year but also the past few years. Christmas has managed to take our minds off rising prices, medicine shortages, and political instability, but even as we stir our hot chocolate, sip our eggnog, and indulge in the flavours of Christmas, it is difficult to completely ignore the struggle many face to make ends meet and put food on the table.
This is why it is crucial that we understand the true meaning of Christmas, and spread love, peace, and joy, but also lend a helping hand to those who need it whenever we can. And while we try our best to bring a smile or at least a sense of relief to another, it is also important to be kinder to ourselves.
Photos Pradeep Dambarage