HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR BATCHMATES AND FAMILIES
Christmas will be here very soon.
Beyond its religious foundation, Christmas has evolved into a cultural phenomenon celebrated by billions of people worldwide, including many non-Christians. It is a special time for families and friends to gather, share meals, and enjoy each other's company. It is also a time for generosity; the season encourages acts of charity, kindness, and gift-giving to spread joy and support those in need. It also encourages reflection on the past year, fostering a spirit of peace, goodwill toward others, and personal renewal.
Chirasri has once again sent us a beautiful painting to accompany her greeting.
To my batchmates and their families.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026. (My latest painting)
From, Chira
Thank you Chira for sending this beautiful painting done by you. It has become customary for you to send a special Xmas painting every year.
ReplyDeleteMahendra
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for posting my painting of this greetings card.
My appreciation to you for keeping our Blog alive. It helps our batchmates to communicate with each other including exchanging greetings to each other. Long live our Blog.
Wishing you all the best.
Chira
Hello Chira,
ReplyDeleteI have always admired your paintings for the care and attention you devote to every detail. You have truly succeeded in making the ribbons and the globe appear three-dimensional through your intricate shading. The fine lines you have drawn on the ivy leaves, giving them such a lifelike quality, reflect your training as an ophthalmologist, as does the beautifully rendered golden edge of the red ribbons. Well done, and thank you for supporting both the batch and our blog.
Ivy remains lush even in winter. It symbolises continuity of life and the enduring hope that spring will return.
Christmas inevitably takes me back to my childhood and the joy of the season spent in my ancestral home in Kegalle. Those were peaceful times in the 1940s and 1950s. During the pre-independence period and the years immediately following, the mood and atmosphere of the country still echoed British influence and stability. Many who once shared our family Christmases at Ashley Hall are no longer with us. Yet, whenever I hear the classic carols, I remember them with great fondness each year.
Christmas Day would begin with a visit to a small Anglican church on the hill, where we sang those beloved carols with heartfelt enthusiasm. The service always concluded with “Silent Night,” sung while sunlight streamed through the open windows. Eating, drinking, and merrymaking continued well past midnight. Opening presents and lighting fireworks kept the children entertained, while the adults partook of the “water of life,” dancing and celebrating in high spirits.
Where have all those years gone?
I take this opportunity to wish my many batchmates and their families a joyful Christmas, and may the New Year bring peace, good health, and happiness to all.
Nihal
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for appreciating my painting. I am fascinated by your observation of tiny detail. I value it greatly. Nothing to beat your great paintings.
Hope you enjoy this festive season with fun and happiness with your family.
Chira
Dear Chira, thank you for your Christmas Greeting and your accompanying, beautiful painting. I love the way you captured the light reflection on the ornament. Nihal has said it all. (Nihal, a small correction - the leaves are holly not ivy, although the carol goes "The holly and the ivy...")
ReplyDeleteChristmas is definitely a time when one reminisces about childhood and the good times we had in the past.
I join Chira, and all the friends who communicate on the blog, in wishing everyone joy and many blessings at Christmas. The gifts we cherish most now do not come wrapped in colorful paper and get stacked under the Christmas tree. It is the care, friendship and love we receive from those around us. May all of you have an abundance of such gifts, now and in the New Year!
Srianee
DeleteGood to see you on the blog. I stand corrected, Thanks. Despite my 50 years in exile the flora in the west seem alien to me. My botany is still guided by the good old Pulimood and Joshua.
Wish you a wonderful Christmas amongst family and friends. May you have a peaceful and happy new year with good health. Take care and stay safe.
Srianee
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your comment. I value greatly your appreciation of my painting.
Hope you will enjoy this Christmas with your siblings and their families in Sri Lanka. All the best !
Chira
To all my blogger and non-blogger friends, wish you the very best for Christmas and the New Year !
ReplyDeleteHi guys and gals where have all the years gone. as I look back , fondly recall the SCM carol party going to the faculty and being fed with food singing carols not to mention the spirits that was available in some homes. But yes in this season of love , giving and humility, i hope we cherish our friendship.
ReplyDeleteChira, I too wandered what the significance of the bright shadow and the emblem was. Nevertheless the paining is exquisite as always.
Merry Christmas and joyless and healthy New year.
Rajan (Patas )
Patas
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. Much appreciated.
Hope you will have a lovely Christmas with your family and a happy and peaceful new year 2026. All the best !
Chira