The Christmas Party

 The children from Karuna Nivas came to Shanti Nivas for the Christmas party the evening before the event, as they had to travel more than 100 km. The Prem Nivas children arrived on the 22nd, an exciting trip in hired taxis. The older boys were hoping to be able to have a game of cricket before the function began but found themselves involved in helping with the arrangements, putting out the chairs, building the bonfire for later in the evening and generally being useful.

The new Christmas tree, which I had brought from England, was put together and the lights were wound around it. The primary aged children each hung a red or gold bauble on it and photographs of each child were taken.The children played on the slide and swings, danced to music from huge speakers and played games until the sun became too hot for them to be outside.They transferred to the inside of  Thompson House and played with the board and construction games until it was time to gather under the shade of the mango and cashew  nut trees to have their lunch.

The children sat in circles on the ground and were served by staff and volunteers from among the senior children.

After a rest time for the little ones all took their seats , along with hospice patients and staff, under the shade of a shamiana for the formal opening of the Christmas Party.

Prayers from two Pastors, a bible reading by Vasavi, one of our college students, and speeches from invited guests, were followed by the long awaited distribution of Christmas gifts to everybody.

The children each received a new set of best clothes  - designs for boys and girls, chosen by Mary Madam Director, as well as a suitable toy.  The children quickly ran to put on their new clothes and the evening entertainment started.

Each home had prepared a programme of songs, dances and drama. The dances were sometimes to religious hymns and some were to film music.  The dances of DMC and the Rainbow boys home were very popular, the children cheering and clapping along with the music.

Arun was dressed as the Christmas Father and he threw sweets into the audience for the children. He ran in and out of  the dancing in a funny way much to everyone's amusement.. The younger children were very cute and sweet to look at as they sang their songs and danced.The entertainment concluded with the cutting of the Christmas cake and Silent Night sung  by all,  the older children holding lighted candles.







The hospice patients were part of the celebrations and enjoyed the event, the dancing and the lights
strung up on all the buildings.








Dinner was served in the dining hall and outside around the bonfire area.Chicken biryani, sweetmeats, bananas and as much as they liked to eat!

It was nearly midnight by the time the children were packed into taxis and rickshaws to go back to their respective homes as they had to go to school the next day!







         Happy New Year to everyone!

from Manya, Victor and Mary, staff and children.

More photos in a few days time!