I'm dreaming of a White Christmas…
The yuletide spirit has inspired many films and songs.
As Christmas is here, it is but natural to think of the number of films set during that festival period. True, that Christmas figures in a number of films, at least one in say five, but that's not counted. We shall deal with pure Christmas stories. Maybe because of the popularity of the song but my pet film is White Christmas and I was hardly 12 when I saw it, my pre-film critic days of course, and it still rings a gong. Imagine feeling nostalgic over White Christmas when we haven't seen one in real life. Funny, isn't it, but true nonetheless.  It is about two entertainers who boost the popularity of a winter resort run by an old army buddy.

Joy to the world
Spread the festivity by adding a little red to your attire or just by changing your caller tune to Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell…
Agreed, it's not snowing in this part of the equator. It never does. What if it isn't cloudy either? Does that mean no Christmas mood? Not done! So, we may or may not have the time to go over the fields, but there should be nothing stopping from laughing all the way.

So natural!
Nature, with all its bright, bold and exuberant elements, is the theme of Renu Aggarwal’s painting exhibition at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10. Odyssey, with 33 works on display, she has let the colours flow freely on canvas, highlighting various aspects of nature and its relationship with human beings.
Tribune photograph: Parvesh Chauhan

Gifts galore
Thursday saw Big FM at Madame
An innovator in style and now an innovator in coddling its customers, Madame, a brand in women western wear set up a Booth of Big FM in its store at Sector 17 market, near Sindhi Sweets. The RJs of Big 92.7 FM had their studio firmly placed in Madame’s store on December 24, dedicating a day to Madame’s customers by stacking them with several gifts and discounts. — TNS

Side Lanes
Not a white Christmas
Christmas, Good Friday and Easter are the three most important and unifying dates of the Christian Calendar. The first signifies Christ’s birth, the second His Crucifixion and the third His coming to life again. Christmas is a time to give, renew contacts, mend fences and smile in all directions. Unfortunately, the human psyche often fails in its endeavors and the festival becomes a catalog of frailty giving way to such baser emotions as competition, snide remarks and doing better than the Jonses. If we can remember and laugh at these negativities long after they occur, then we have forgiven, forgotten and moved on, which is the true essence of Yuletide.

The battle begins
Rohit Jugraj is set to recapture the valour of 36th Sikh Regiment in his forthcoming film based on the Battle of Saragarhi
I have always maintained that I had a purpose to fulfill. With this project I see myself moving closer towards it,” shares Rohit Jugraj, the director of James and Superstar, who also assisted Ram Gopal Varma on Bhooth and Ashutosh Gowarikar on Jodhaa Akbar. The purpose is his upcoming directorial venture on the famous Battle of Saragarhi.

Kite runner
If you have a passion for flying kites, then sky is the limit
Before the news on colourful, contrasting kites, here’s a thought for the day, ‘Terrorism divides, tourism unites’. With this motto and couple of motives and just the right amount of motivation, Gujarat tourism came calling to the city to woo the kite enthusiasts. It’s International Kite Festival starting January 10 up till January 14. Anyone with the spirit for kites, skill of flying or with unique kites is welcome. “Kite flying is quite a culture there, everyone from a child to eighty plus is into this sport now,” Kamlesh Patel, chairman, tourism, Government of Gujarat, gets everything started and spells the reason for his visit.

Sweet something
It’s Christmas and to usher in warmth and good cheer Ovenfresh (Sectors 17, 35, 26 and DT Mall) brings to the city a concept popular in Western Europe and parts of USA where the Christmas supper ends with 13 dessert items, representing Jesus Christ and the 12 apostles. The desserts are traditionally set out on Christmas Eve and remain on the table three days until December 27.

Shopper’s stop
V Mart opens a whole new world of shopping on this festival for all age groups. Their vast array of latest fashionable range of garments, gifting items, décor, home and kitchen appliances and everything you look for yourself or for your beloved ones, available at a very attractive price. 

Silent lover
Silent Night still tops the most-favourite Christmas carol list
Whoever thought there was just one and only and single and solitary, Jingle Bells to jingle all the way? Of course, that's the 'World Anthem' among Christmas carols and that's the first one almost everyone learnt or lisped…the carol that the choirs just have to croon.

Mistletoe and wine
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra peeps into some households in the city to know how they are celebrating this Christmas
Nothing could be more perfect than a light dusting of snow falling on the Christmas eve. But since everyone is not blessed with a climate that can shower pearl drops for a white X-mas, there is more than one way to make the day extra special, especially when it comes to family ties and celebrations.
Christina Singh (R) with her family