Me the Scrooge
It happened slowly, over the years, ever so slowly that I didn’t notice. It happened when all of that became a compulsion. I’ve shared how I felt many times here on the blog. I even took Lakshmi ji to task. Jokes apart, Diwali to me had come to mean loads of cleaning, wading through crazy crowds, trying to drive bargains and draining out my bank account handing out those bonuses.
However, that’s not what festivals are supposed to be about right? Well, they are, but they are more about being happy and excited and content and about spreading cheer and making everyone happy while also being happy yourself.
So I drew up a ‘Will’ and ‘Won’t’ list for myself. Take a look.
I won’t
Dive into closets and lofts for that once a year cleaning.
Trawl the old city for the best idols, the ‘different’ diyas, the cheapest bargains.
Worry myself sick about visitors.
Try to clear up the kids’ cupboards or their room (Whew! Such a load off, already).
Go ballistic yelling at them to clear up either.
Try to keep a democratic approach with them (This one is HARD).
Try to say ‘Yes’ to them as much as possible. (I have good friend Shailaja to thank for this tip).
I Will
Put out fresh (not necessarily new) covers.
Put up the pretty stuff I’ve bought for Diwali.
Order gifts online.
Paint diyas with the kids.
Try new crafts with them.
Have a few festive foods like the mandatory Yam (So we don’t turn into chhuchhundars in the next life!) and a simple sweet like a kheer or the super easy atta laddoos which we make together.
Buy lots of sweets.
– The house will not be as clean as I would like it to be or as it used to be
– The food will not be as elaborate
– The gifts will not be as glorious
The democratic approach
Starting from there we’ve spent the past few days happily cleaning up TOGETHER.
Our fun times
Since painting diyas was top of the list, that’s what we started off with. Midway through it N wanted a dance break so we put on some LOUD music and she danced. Then we got back to work. After a while she wanted to invite her friend over. And we did just that.
Here’s what we did..
… and then peeling it off was a cakewalk.
We stuck on some sequins and ended with some ribbon and gota. All we need now is for some candles to go in and we’re done.
And we tried some damage control. We pasted kite paper hearts on the really bad ones. Once the candle lights it up, we’re hoping it’ll look just as good as the others.
Then we wondered what to do with the bottle caps. So we made them into tea-light holders.
This was easy. And here’s a tip: Use a toothpick to pick up the tiny sequins. Once the kids got a hang of it, it was fun.
There’s a few days to go for the big day and we’ve had a relatively peaceful time. We still have some more things in mind which we might try out. But I’m not pushing it.
So what would your ‘Will-Do-Won’t-Do’ list look like? Of course it might be completely different from mine. If you love cooking that’ll feature big time or if you love to shop, city shops might be fun. The thing is to list and prioritise.
Happy Diwali!!
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I love those floating candles: so colourful and festive. I hope with setting your priorities and boundaries, that you were able to more fully relax and enjoy Diwali! ๐ <3
HI Tulika. Loved the jam jar lanterns and floating candles ๐
Wow! Glad you all had fun this Diwali ๐
The lanterns and the floating diyas are awesome!!
Can so relate to all that you've written OM… glad you were able to put the zing back ๐
Such fun crafts…. Simple easy to do and looks so festive ๐
Looks like you guys had a blast !
Health took a beating this last month, as you well know. So, I had to naturally fall in line with your thinking as listed in this post. And I am far better for it. Nothing elaborate, simple cleaning, basic celebration. It was a much happier festive season this time around. You saw the pictures too, remember? ๐ Thank you for the mention, Tulika ๐
*Shailaja's Post*
What a lovely post and your crafts really made up cute!! Hope you have a Happy Diwali and enjoy!!
Lovely post..love the DIY candles, they are awesome. Diwali is always fun and I know the whole process can be tedious.
Happy wala Diwali:)
Less fuss about clutter and noise and more relaxed and doing and spending time together – that sounds like the right way to head, dear Tulika. And the decor you made are awesome – so cute. Building good memories with your kids, the most precious thing. Happy Diwali to you and your family
It's going to be a tiring one, it looks like, but you're going to have fun, Tulika. Happy Diwali!
Thanks Michelle, we did have a good one.
woww so many crafts. that's so fabulous. I am planning to make some quilling rangoli designs. I just hope I find enough time ๐
Happt Diwali
So did the quilling happen?
Oh I love your jam jar lanterns! So creative ๐ I take the cue to and promise to take it easy with my chores this Diwali! Wish you and your family a happy Diwali!
Thanks Vinodini. Hope Diwali was happy for you too.
Cool idea Tulika…I too don't particularly like the things we are 'supposed' to do mandatory as part of festivals..I just don't like when I'm forced to do something… I have always concentrated on the fun part more…You have done a wonderful job at arriving at the lists! Happy Diwali!
Random Thoughts Naba..JSepia Tones: Diwali & Shillong…
Me too Naba. Following tradition to a tee gets tiresome.
Love the post! its so important to realize the will do – won't do part. That's a really cool idea.
Thanks Shruti. Hope you had a happy Diwali.