All year long, I look forward to the period between Christmas and New Year. In general, this is a time when things slow down at work, and I can count on being able to relax and address some special project that requires extra attention. Some years this has been an extremely busy time as we try and catch up with the targets for the quarter or finish writing new business that is to be included in the year that is ending.
However, when I was young, I looked forward to it for a host of other reasons. Christmas was always a very festive season in Bandra where I grew up. And apart from the one year when I took off in a fit of fright upon seeing a real live Santa Claus, I have looked forward to the decorated Christmas trees, the exchange of traditional sweets, the hustle and bustle on Hill Rd, midnight mass - and yes, I still havent actually been to one - and then the inevitable New Years Eve parties. These were undertaken with much energy and excitement and I often returned home in the wee hours of the morning, exhilirated and exhausted. And that was in the pre-alcohol days. I remember walking down Hill Rd, late at night, somewhere near Rebello House and Somnath Lane - there were several of us and we were walking along arm-in-arm all across the street singing at the top of our voices.
Things changed as I grew older. Somewhere along the way I picked up the occasional martini. And the parties got funnier. And then I grew a little older. And now I fell asleep after the first martini. Or if I managed to stay up all night, i realized that I was a zombie the next day. And I did not like being a zombie.
The parties got even more painful as I lived in Stormville, cos it involved a trip out into the snow laden deer ridden countryside, to a party filled with people who were drinking just a little bit more than was attractive. And i recall one historic moment when I decided that i really did not need to go to a party on New Years Eve. That I was happier sitting at home in my flannel pajamas wearing 2 pairs of warm socks, snuggled under a blanket, falling asleep in front of the TV. My self esteem would not allow me to accept that I had become an old bore. Instead I called it being smarter and wiser. Though I must confess to feeling a tiny twinge of envy at the energy displayed by the other party goers. Next morning, feeling refreshed and awake, reading about all the drunk drivers that got arrested, or into accidents I invariably felt smarter and wiser.
So when asked about my plans for New Years Eve this year, I said, Bah Humbug! I intend to go to sleep at 10pm. And it is a great New Year's Day today, isn't it ?
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