The Christmas

Nobody knocks at the door in this day and age for now it’s the email or SMS that drops in. In this fast growing economic hub of the country we are missing out on life and its value. Everyone with the survival of the fittest approach in mind is short of time to continue with the old traditions and customs, whether good or bad.
There was a time when people used to visit and greet each other on many occasions, including Eid and Christmas. Families and friends used to spend time together, exchange smiles and sweets, and share views and thoughts. Children used to ask for Eidi while the elders bargained on. A few among us who found it impossible to see our relatives and friends made it a point to post letters and greeting cards and send gifts to fill in our absence. Visit to a market place for selection of a gift or a card followed by its purchase and delivery was something that expressed our love and affection to our nearest and dearest on such occasions.
Unfortunately, it’s no more there which is obvious from the fact that the sale of greeting cards has drastically dropped over the past some years. Initially it was e-greetings and now it’s short messaging service that has replaced them. As for presents, some courier services do have introduced packages to buy and deliver gifts on the senders’ behalf though the convenience with which we send such presents can’t fully express our efforts, warmth and emotions.
And the results are clear – families are spending less time together.
The world is spinning fast and taking the souls of many with it. I’m not at all against technological advances or economic progress. However, it’s equally important that such advancement must not make us oblivious to our social and cultural development.—HA