Bask in the festive joy, make it special for yourself

This year, be kind, whether you celebrate the season all by yourself or have a small group of loved ones over.

A year ago, this would be that time of the year, when we’d talk about festive fatigue beginning to set in. Gatherings with loved ones, outings with colleagues, and socialising with acquaintances; all held strictly over lavish meals (desserts, included) and running into late nights were a part of the celebrations. A potent combination of lack of sleep, odd meal hours, traffic jams, and repeated conversations would bring us much joy, just as dressing up and being our merry self do. This year, our schedules look a little different, we’re not trying to pack it all in — meeting multiple people in a go, buying presents for all, and indulging in excessive eating. We’ve had it tough and the blend of WFH, household chores, financial burdens, safety concerns, and more have worn us out enough. We’ve, fortunately (and hopefully) learnt to appreciate and value the luxury of having had the chance to complain about excess from gifts to sweets, and everything in between.

Festive vibes like that of Diwali, which is already in the air, need to be celebrated, and we shouldn’t snatch ourselves from the little and larger joys of life. This year’s vibe to me is guided by the fact that we should celebrate what we can and how we can, within our means and with precautions. As I look around, I see how fellow Indians getting their homes cleaned, donating toys, and exchanging recipes. The clashes in diaries over too many Diwali dinner invites falling on the same weekend are fewer this year. A tiny box of sweets is as good as a bespoke hamper. But if you can, then go in for the big celebration, you deserve every bit of it. Sparkles and diyas (earthen lamps) aside, safety is shining through. The other day when I received an invite for a Diwali lunch, I was quick enough to ask about the number of guests who’d be in attendance, and my query was answered with patience and concern. And that for me is and should be the true spirit of any celebration, being mindful of the other.

This year, be kind, whether you celebrate the season all by yourself or have a small group of loved ones over. Do that one thing that feels festive. Run a bath, bring out the salts, reserved for the right moment. Celebrate the festive season the way you can. Make that rangoli (decorative patterns made on the floor using flowers or colours) even if nobody is coming over, and it’s going to be just you and your pet at home. The crockery set you were gifted long ago, bring it out of the box, share a meal in it, with your partner. Whatever feels good to you, do that. Don’t do it for an audience on social media or the guests who aren’t around this year, do it for yourself. Have yourself a sparkling Diwali.

—purva@khaleejtimes.com