It’s Christmas time
December 16, 2012 was special for IASAP as its members were wrapping the year with an unforgettable Christmas Party. “A grand party – an evening of fun and frolic with cocktails and dinner” said the invitation and that was enough to give us an idea of the promise that the evening held in store for us. Our President, Wilma D’Costa spared no efforts to ensure that this year’s Christmas party was better than last year’s. And so it was.
The ladies were on time and we all gathered at the Taj Lands End in Bandra, the most beautiful property of Taj in Mumbai. Members were all decked up and filled with Christmas cheer and spirit waiting to spread the goodness and love that this season brings with it. The spirit of Christmas is something that is beyond what can be explained or written about. It’s like magic in the air as the feeling of peace, love and goodwill descends on earth making everyone happier and in the mood to share and care for our brethren.
As we enter the Level2 poolside hall we hear Christmas music already playing and who do we thank for this? It’s none other that our DJ Waylon D’Costa, [Wilma’s son] who enthralled us last year too, at the Christmas party. And what a fine job he did! So we say in unison, “Thank you for the music Waylon, and for the carols you played, thanks for all the joy they brought us on this wonderful day!”
The party begins. A happy and ever-smiling young lady dressed in a lovely red sari took the mike. She was our MC for the evening – Gloria Collaco. Cheerful and naughty too at times, she took us through the evening with grace and style, never letting an opportunity slip, to pull up some of us lazy ones who were trying to settle down in the comfort of the sofas. She made sure everyone participated and came forward to shake a leg!
Wilma welcomed us all in her inimitable endearing style, coaxing members to attend our monthly meetings in as large numbers as we were present at the Christmas party! And yes, there was a resounding assurance to her request. Do follow it up dear friends with your presence at the next meeting and thereafter.
The drinks were served with yummy starters and the games got rolling. Again this year Sharon and Samara [Sharon’s daughter] did their best to keep the ladies entertained and the games going in good order. The teams were made and the first game had us all guessing what items were in a red bag. The second one was a sign game that we all enjoyed, signs depicting Christmas and related stuff. Our photographer Yvonne kept clicking away as our ladies posed with the beautifully decorated and lit up Christmas tree.
Denise Rosario our faithful Santa Claus is sure looking younger by the day. As Santa streamed into the hall to the tune of “Jingle bells…” a lot of them wanted to know who it was! And everyone wanted to take a picture with Santa. With Santa’s good wishes and love, it was also the time to pass the donation box around for collection to which IASAP every year generously adds its own contribution to help an NGO which would be decided by the GC shortly.
With so much dancing and games we were ready for dinner that was announced as our ladies made a bee-line for the food counter. The food was great, the desserts even greater and the cocktails just simply superb! Everyone was busy helping themselves to a sumptuous meal.
The last but most important task was done by Vimala D’Souza. She graciously thanked everyone for their roles in making the party a great success.
Merry Christmas to everyone and a great New Year!
Vijayam Raghunathan,
HDFC Bank Ltd, Mumbai