The tree that cheers

For the holidays, the tree is the centerpiece of their lives, where everyone gathers, bonds - and, most importantly, exchange greetings and gifts.

It's Christmas today, and as I look around my apartment, I see no sign of a tree. Any tree. The plant (plants, actually) I had to keep me company at home, well, they breathed their last while I was on vacation; their decline had started way before that though, mostly because I methodically forgot to water/air/sun them. That's why I didn't get a Christmas tree (I get my fill of them at malls all around; what's more, the little shop on the ground floor of my building has a lovely one right at the entrance). I reckoned not only would I not take care of it, I'd also not be bothered to deck it up the way most right-thinking folks would. Fortunately, the world is populated with (mostly) different-from-me people. Ones that celebrate this festive time with the most visible sign of 'em all: the Christmas tree. This week we decided to visit those families who really tree it up for the season. For the holidays, the tree is the centerpiece of their lives, where everyone gathers, bonds - and, most importantly, exchange greetings and gifts. Meet these tree people and get acquainted with the object of their affections.
While you are admiring your own tree, and reading about other people's trees, don't forget to have a look at the fuss-free treats you can cook for Christmas. Now, just because I say "fuss-free", don't assume they are non-festive. They are, very much so: stuff like eggnog, apple sauce, pumpkin bread. need I say more? Plus there's our regular Kitchen Classics which brings you classic fare from the chef's counter.
We are hurtling towards year-end, and our Bollywood columnist does his recap of the best and the worst of films this year. My personal choice is Masaan, which was right up there; Talvar was pretty darned good too; I'm also dying to watch Bajirao Mastani and Dilwale. But don't go by my list, check out what Khalid has to say. I've always found Christian Bale, our cover boy, very appealing. The first time I saw the Christopher Nolan version of Batman, I thought this was the best-looking superhero ever (on screen) - quite a far cry from the loony American Psycho. But then Bale went through far too many reinventions (including looking too well-rounded in American Hustle last year). Now he's back on my cover, and I'm taking a long, hard look at him again. In Travel, go on a culinary journey in Lucknow and get served kababs on a platter.
Enjoy reading wknd. and have a great weekend!
And have yourself a very Merry Christmas!
Sushmita Bose, wknd. Editor