Small talk

It8217;s that time of the year when the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked cakes, when people forget all their grievances and come together to share in the joy of the season, the time for family.

Fun and festoons
It8217;s that time of the year when the air is filled with the smell of freshly baked cakes, when people forget all their grievances and come together to share in the joy of the season, the time for family. It is the season of love, forgiveness, joy laughter and merriment. Season when children wait eagerly for the big bearded man in red suit, bringing them gifts. It8217;s the season to be jolly, cause it is Christmas. Vowing to bring back the smile on the faces of special children, the foundation- Grant a Smile along with Rotary Club of Pune central had invited children from the various orphanages at Poona Club. About 150 children with their family were present from different parts of the city to enjoy the party that included magic show, songs, dance and play presented by the children.

Gaming on
In a beautiful way to bring smiles on the faces of some special children, the Fujitsu Consulting India celebrated this Christmas with the children of Deepgriha on December 22. The kids enjoyed a fun-filled party at the Fujitsu facility at Talawade. There was a range of outdoor and indoor games with a lot of prizes to win. The real party for the kids started when Santa came with his bag full of presents. The little stars took pleasure in the party with dance and tasty food. It was a memorable day for the staff at Fujitsu as the party took them back to their childhood days.

Everybody8217;s Christmas
Many say that the youth of today just want to have fun and 8216;chill out8217;, but there are some who believe in translating the true meaning of Christmas into action. A bunch of such sprightly youngsters is the youth group of St Francis De Sales Church-Shaanwadi, who with their motto 8211;Be what you are and be at its best proved that they too are willing to give something to society. These youngsters led by the priests came up with a noble way of bringing in the festive season. Their celebrations commenced with a visit to Snehalaya-a home for special children. They spent quality time singing carols and distributing sweets. The kids were overjoyed when Santa arrived with his goody bag. Michael Naidu, member of the group, beams, 8220;Normal kids can enjoy Christmas in many ways but these kids are oblivious to the world around them. Usually people look at them with sympathy but we wanted them to enjoy the festivities, make them feel they are part of us and of the society.8221; The youth then visited Maher-a home for the destitute and orphans.

Limitations overruled
Dazzling in her jewel toned white coloured jacket, Manasi Scott, celebrity singer wowed the audience on Sunday evening at the St Patrick8217;s cathedral ground as she flew her troupe all the way from Jaipur to participate in the carnival cum fund raiser for cerebral palsy affected children of Snehalaya at Wagholi. From belting out numbers like Michael Jackson8217;s Man in the mirror to Bryan Adams Love will keep us alive and winding up with a medley of Christmas carols, the function could not have had a more apt performer. And never mind the technical glitches or that she was given an hour to rock the audience, people were tapping their feet to the beat as the St Patrick8217;s church group jived to Jingle Bell rock. And it surely was worth the wait as for parents of children back stage as they ensure that their tiny tots walked the ramp and had the audience cheering and clapping with enthusiasm. Pune based dancer Ewa Maria Cherukuru and her students had the audience demanding an encore and as they performed intricate dance steps. But it was the children of Snehalaya who danced and swayed in their wheel chairs to Jingle bells.

Ol8217; sweet way
This time you can enjoy Christmas in a traditional way at Chokhi Dhani, the spot with a Rajasthani village set up. With the entertaining performances of Rajasthani folk performers, puppet shows, bioscope and the customary entertainment like kacchi ghodi, ghumar, kalbelia, bhopa bhopi, nat, one can have a superb time. You can enjoy the delicious vegeterian thali with a chhaas or jaljeera glass.

Kiddy party
In the midst of all forms of tensions, there are still some chances to have fun. Odyssey, the favorite spot for children is coming up with a lot of thrilling offers, prizes and contests. A Mad Workshop is being organised on December 27 and 28 at the different outlets of Odyssey, where kids can learn easy ways to craft photo frames, gift-wrapping papers, greeting cards, wall hanging and so on. They can also try their luck at Bakugan competition on January 3 and 4.