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Dimapur, Dec. 20 (EMN): The pandemic hasn't dimmed the spirit of Christmas this year, but like most of the events, it will be celebrated differently.
However, much of how we celebrate this festive season has also been changing over the years.
Before the advent of mobile phones, students would exchange Christmas cards at the end of the year or send cards to friends and families, and go carolling door-to-door.
However, advancement in technology and the new age of the Internet has reshaped the holiday season in many ways. Handmade cards have been replaced by e-cards and holiday greetings are sent through smart phones.
Social media has also made it easier to send a single greeting to hundreds of people simultaneously. Technology has also made it possible for friends and families to be ‘together’ virtually even though they may be in different corners of the world.
Eastern Mirror spoke to some individuals who shared their thoughts on Christmas and what it means to them.
Lily said that it is the month where “parents of children who study or work outside look forward to most as children come back home for vacations and the empty homes look fuller and warm once again”.
She also shared that the streets filled with lights and fine decorations, and Christmas songs 'instantly puts us in a joyous mood'.
"According to me, Christmas is that one festive season that has not changed much over the years, but of course there are slight changes with the advancement in technologies, where we are able to send our warm regards to anyone around the world at the speed of light," she said.
"Looking back to 15-20 years ago we depended on Christmas cards or letters to do that, but either way, it has its own advantages and disadvantages and is beautiful in its own way. When I think about Christmas, I am always reminded of good food, new warm clothes, good music or movies, warm fireplace and a wonderful time with family," she recalled.
She shared that technology has enabled her to communicate with her families or friends through video call, have fellowships together as well as eat together and, “although it may not be the same as being physically present together, it has not been as hard as it used to be in the past when we did not have such technology”.
She recalled that 'back then, people would look for movie CDs or cassettes to listen or watch together with family on Christmas but today the sad reality is that most families do not do that because everyone has their own individual gadgets in their hand and they prefer watching it by themselves'.
"Now, we can listen or watch it on our phones and laptops anywhere, anytime with a click without much effort," she said adding that ‘it was beautiful back then and it is beautiful now’.
Sangti Konyak said that “Christmas nowadays, especially for the youth, means a lot of decorations, carnivals, good dress and night bazaars unlike the earlier days when we took time out to spend with families, have fellowship at home and attend the church service.”
Another person, Suminho Aye recalled: “I remember my childhood Christmas was symbolised by a single star in each home but as years progressed, the appearance of sparkling lights increased.”
"Fast track to 2020, I see many homes, churches and village communities making a statement of opulence with grand lightings. And I understand many homes cannot afford the glamour, but for me, their modest single star so beautifully captures the symbolism of the special star that guided the three wise men to the birthday boy Jesus Christ," she stated.