In pre-Independence India, Santa Claus was known as Father Christmas. He was largely unknown to the vast majority of the Indian population, save the Christians and the Anglicised Indians who worked in the civil service, military or British companies.

I first met Santa Claus was as a four year old in a department store in Lagos, Nigeria. I was scared out of my wits. I couldn’t understand why I had to sit on the lap of a large man with a white beard who rang a bell and ho-ho-hed to all.

Fast forward to the 80’s.

By now Christmas and Santa were pretty much part of my life as was Easter and Michaelmas, having studied in a Protestant missionary school. and grown up as a Military brat. We had already learned not to eat meat on Fridays during Lent. We knew that dried fruit had to be soaked months in advance for a really rummy Christmas Cake. All the while remaining Hindu.

But there were still parts of India for whom Santa Claus remained unknown.

Around thirty years ago, we were visiting the town of Shahjahanpur in UP during the Christmas season. The girls were bristling at the thought of missing the Christmas party at the Club. But they were excited at the thought of spending time in the rambling General Manager’s bungalow where their grandparents lived.

In order that they don’t miss out on their presents from Santa, their grandfather had promised them some Christmas fun.

“Let’s organise a visit from Santa for all the children in the colony,” he suggested. Cousin P and Prima Donna were to dress up as reindeer , Anna Shetty was the elf. Behind them marched the old watchman dressed up as Santa.

At ten in the morning, all the workers’ children were brought into the compound and seated in the verandah. Out came Santa and in his ‘sleigh’ pulled by the reindeer who were singing ‘Jingle Bells’. Poor Santa and the children were clueless about what they were meant to do. Seeing their lacklustre reaction Zainuddin, the cook, (who was tasked with making nankhatai for the kids) roused them from their stupor commanding the children to clap.

“Taali bajao! Taali bajao” he exhorted. “Santa Claus aaye hain!” and the children clapped obediently.

The reindeer and elf were quite disheartened with this response.

And NOw

Today, the internet is all abuzz with Christmas Sales. It is amazing how Santa and Christmas have become part of the Indian festive scene. Children go to multiple Christmas with the sole aim of getting a present from Santa. Surprisingly, they don’t question the anomaly of multiple Santas who bring gifts they hadn’t even asked for!

However, what is truly remarkable is the Secret Santa phenomenon that has captured everyone’s imagination. Particularly in offices. Especially in offices, there is a cap on the cost of the gift in order not to burden anyone. This makes it hard for the Secret Santa. What gift can he give without him looking like the Grinch?

Luckily, Instagram has lent a helping hand with the most absurd things touted as ‘The Perfect Secret Santa’ gift.

Last week, Prima Donna came home from an office do with a box that looked decidedly Christmassy.

It was marketed as the Polar Express and couldn’t get any Christmassier.

Expecting chocolates, I was dumbstruck when we found a foot soak? Some incense sticks? A gingerbread man candle? I mean, this company, Phool, made one a total fool by passing off their regular scented candles as ‘Christmas goodies.

Today, a manufacturer of orthopaedic accessories touted their products as the perfect ‘secret Santa’ gift.

Isn’t that a bit too much? Tomorrow, one can gift anything, as ridiculous as a garden tool, as a Secret Santa gift!

A Secret Santa gift is supposed to be playful, fun, whimsical and also meaningful. It is supposed to bring a spark of joy and cheer.

What do you think?

Let me know in the comments.

Ciao