No, Santa is NOT overrated

As one grows with age, one tends to reminisce the times when you were a just a child - a one metre tall human being who knew naught of this world and only believed in another dimension that is probably parallel to ours - one that is laden with mythical beings and happy endings.

During the first 8 years (or probably 9, I can't quite recall) of my life, I truly and genuinely believed in Santa Claus (gasp!).

I believed that there was this fat and fatherly figure (aren't all fatherly figures fat?) who would visit my house, bearing gifts. I used to wonder how he would squeeze into the thin chimney of my home. We did not have a fireplace, hence that metal pipe on top of my roof just HAD to be the chimney. I also grumbled about not having a fireplace to dangle stockings over so that Santa could put our presents inside them.

I would fantasize and try to figure out how Santa was going "break" into my house since I had a chimney that could not even fit a possum (God help those pests).

I would even stay awake on Christmas Eve, in order to detect any sound or movement which could prove that there was a sentinel being in my house. Reindeer bells, a loud thump on the roof perhaps? I probably heard it one year, but it's just a child's wild imagination I guess.

I left cookies and a glass of milk on the kitchen bench, which wasn't too far from the (real) Christmas tree, as according to tradition.

And on Christmas Day itself, I remember waking up abruptly, rushing to the tree.....and...

TA-DAH!!!! I found presents! But the milk and cookies were left untouched. Boo!

Come to think of it, I have my parents to thank for keeping the "Christmas spirit" alive...for making me believe that there really was a Santa Claus. For allowing me to dream...

I don't know when and I don't know how...I soon forgot about Father Santa. I forgot that I had to leave some milk and cookies for him. I literally forgot about him and soon he morphed into some useless and boring Christmas tree ornament, worse yet, 2D Christmas card art.


I guess that's how it is, living in "angmohland". You truly believe in certain traditions and the people around you try to keep the "spirit" alive.

From the age of 10 or so onwards, Christmas became just another day in a year. During my teens, it then quickly transformed into ad-hoc get-together sessions between friends, booze-infused and without the gift exchanges, although a small number of Christmas gatherings have been meaningful and well-planned.

Right now, at the grand old age of 27, I wish I could believe in Santa Claus again...that jolly, fatherly figure in red and white, squeezing through my HDB window grills and dumping presents into my room...

I want to believe so...simply because it makes Christmas more bearable...it makes Christmas truly Christmas.

I suppose only kids have a ball of a time during the festive season. Good on 'em.

Last but not least, a truly Merry Christmas to all of you out there, where ever you may be.

And may the New Year bring good joy and cheer. :)