Christmas! The very word evokes images of holiday cheer, of mistletoe and holly, of Santa Claus and sleigh bells, of carols and cake — however much these images grate on the lunatic fringe, the numbers of which, alas, seem to be growing exponentially. Christmas being the universally loved feast that it is, it is incredible that some misguided folks in India put a crimp on the feeling of peace and goodwill that is the essence of Christmas. Last year, we had to suffer the diktat of that too-clever-by-half Union HRD Minister (how on Earth that inadequately educated lady ever managed to snaffle that critically important position shall remain one of the enduring mysteries of the Modi Government) that Christmas Day should be known as Good Governance Day and that school kids should write essays instead of frolicking around with their friends and family enjoying the loveliest season of the year.

On Christmas Eve, fun and frolic tend to reach a crescendo before the explosion on Christmas Day. Representation pic/AFP