Mangalore: Let us talk of Santa  Claus alias Saint Nicholas, in red and white woolen dress and a cap a top, because this week Christmas and cakes are celebrated everywhere.
Some Hindus who have nothing to do with this birthday bash of Jesus Christ, go out dressed in fancy ways and act like Santa Claus. Probably they were educated in  missionary Christian schools and colleges and even read the Bible or heard the parables of the son of God, the way I did.
But I wouldn’t be a Santa Claus, it is a sin to be that many do it, commit sins, by wearing Santa’s garments and copying his silly manners. Tut Tut!
They say he comes from Norway or Sweden in Snows, on a wooden cart drawn by a reindeer, on a Snowy white path down the hill, with a bag of presents and stealthily puts these gifts one by one in the old shoes or small bags hung up on an electrified Christmas Tree and runs away before the children get up and frantically search for him.
The playful Devil! He dare not frighten our children inside the Church, or outside on lawns when they are gathered to bear lusty carol songs, or eat plum cakes, or wear Kuswar of flowers on their new dresses, or say a Mass on 24th midnight in the shivering cold.
I may be wrong, but he (Santa Claus) would not leave for north pole before he has knocked on every door and placed his gifts on the staircase or at the portico in front door and vanish.
He is a curious do gooder who cannot be caught for his pranks with kids. Children simply love to sit with him in his wooden cart and drive endlessly on, in good company and sweet memories.
The Christmas is due this week on Saturday, with a large Mass (prayer) on Friday night at midnight, having heard carols on earlier evenings in Valencia or Bendurwell, if not at Milagres or Rosario, Nanthoor or Kalangann.
Merry Christmas to all who have faith in Christ and the Santa Claus goodies.