Vacations, Artful Adventures, and Culinary Delights 

By Bhavyaa Harish Vishwanathan

For me, winter is the best part of the year. I simply love the mild winters we get here in Mumbai. The atmosphere seems so pleasant and serene that it lifts up my spirit. Winter vacation is just like a break we get after days of intense studies, when we can rejoice with friends and family. It provides us with days of free time along with the joy of Christmas and new hopes for the coming year. This year we did not plan to go anywhere.

But even so, I enjoyed being at home and trying different stuff. So, let me describe a typical day. I usually wake up around 8 am, freshen up, have breakfast and then go for a stroll. Coming back within an hour or so, I take a bath and then do some stuff of my choice and continue the same after lunch. After dinner, I helped my mother clear up the kitchen and hit the bed at around 11:30. Our vacations usually start a day before Christmas. So, on the 24th, I had a leisurely sleep and woke up around 9 am. After freshening up and having breakfast, I went out for a stroll. Early in the evening, I went to my neighbor’s house and we decorated the Christmas tree together. After that in the evening, we watched a movie while munching chips and biscuits.

The next day was Christmas. I met my friends, and we cut a Christmas cake as well. Since it was a holiday, my family decided to have lunch at a restaurant. We went there and had first a delicious meal – Manchow soup as a starter, then the main course – Hakka noodles and Garlic Chicken and ice cream as a sweet dish. The whole lunch was simply amazing. After that, we just had a walk around and then returned back home. The thing I liked the most during this vacation was meeting my friends. One of my friends had her birthday. So, she invited me to her party at McDonald’s. I also had a get-together with my other school friends. We had lunch at a restaurant and had endless conversations. I even went cycling and swimming with other friends in my building.

We played numerous games and took evening walks in gardens. And of course, we also had many movie sessions as well. These were the times I could actually enjoy without thinking about school and studies. Such meetings with friends are always quite memorable and good to look back on. This time I also learned a new art. It was copper-plate calligraphy. I have had a fountain pen and its ink for a very long time, and this was the opportunity to learn this skill. I also read a new book – Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It was a story of a modern 12-year-old boy who realizes that he is the son of the Greek god of the Sea, Poseidon. He then set out and undertook a quest to the Underworld to stop a war between gods. It was indeed an interesting book.

Also, this time I tried new recipes. Among them were ragi chocolate cake which turned out very well and moist. Then I even tried Garlic Naan and Gulaab Jamun with the help of my dad and sister. Even these small moments were very memorable. Also, my annual examinations are near. Studies, notes, assignments, homework, all had to be done amidst the fun and joy of vacations. I did take out some time every day for studies. As we all know, small efforts add up. Studying little by little every day will indeed prove beneficial.

Being the last week of December, New Year was around the corner. I looked back on 2023 – the fun I had with friends and family, we laughed, sang, and spent time together. As always, New Year brings new hopes and a feeling of optimism. We bid goodbye to the old year and welcome a fresh beginning. Every new year, we set new goals and give ourselves a chance to do better. Such breaks from studies and enjoyable moments always remain fresh in our minds and bring smiles to our faces whenever we think of them. Hence, we should live these moments to the fullest and enjoy every small aspect of it.