By Pooja Marwah
As the year draws to a close and the festive air envelops us in its warmth, I find myself reflecting on the journey of the past twelve months. The speed at which time has flown, much like the Concorde at 2179 kmph, serves as a reminder that life, too, can be a whirlwind of highs and lows.
This year has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, teaching me that giving up is the easiest path, but true strength lies in the perseverance to keep walking. Each dawn, with its promise of a new beginning, has reinforced the idea that every day brings a chance at life.
Life’s uncertainties and unexpected twists often unfold like a story we have little control over. Yet, there’s a certain comfort in letting things play out, in going with the flow. The end of one chapter may bring a tinge of sadness, but it also signals the beginning of a new, uncharted journey, and that in itself is a cause for euphoria.
As we stand at the threshold of December, a month synonymous with hope, festivity, and joy, the spirit of Christmas beckons. It is a season for giving, not just material gifts but the priceless present of time. Time, a luxury few can afford to spare, becomes a precious offering when shared with those we care about.
The essence of forgiveness, however, transcends seasons. It requires the maturity to understand that each person is grappling with their inner demons, and often, it’s the struggles within that turn them into beings we may find hard to comprehend. Forgiveness is about rewriting the narrative we tell ourselves, turning the page, and moving forward. It’s a finite book, and the best closure we can gift ourselves at the year’s end is to smile and let go.
Reflecting on the transformative power of forgiveness, I am reminded of the uniqueness inherent in each individual. Just as everyone possesses a bit of halo and horns, choosing to focus on the good in others aligns our minds with the positive aspects within ourselves. Words, whether about people or places, shape our perceptions and desires. Therefore, the most significant gift we can offer ourselves this season is the ability to forgive, smile, and release the burdens of the past.
Christmas, with its togetherness, mulled wine, plum cake, and cheer, encapsulates the spirit of blessings. The season invites us to appreciate the joy in simple pleasures, to cherish moments spent by the fireplace, and to revel in the magic of ornaments adorning the tree. As carols sung by little children echo through the air, we are reminded that Christmas is not merely a day on the calendar but a state of heart and mind.
So, as the year bids us farewell, let us embrace the lessons it imparted, the challenges it presented, and the joys it brought. May the spirit of Christmas brighten our paths, foster goodwill, understanding, and a commitment to walk the extra mile, not just during the festive season but throughout the coming year. Here’s to a closing chapter, a new beginning, and the enduring magic of the human spirit.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
(Pooja Poddar Marwah is an award winning author and Blogger. She writes an contemporary living and offers incisive reflections
on the world around us. Her blog, Random Conversations is a go to guide to deal with the myraid stuggles we face each day.)


