The other day I went to mail a Christmas card to a non-Christian friend. After applying the stamp, I requested the postal clerk Indra ( Hindu immigrant from Sri Lanka) to write the name of my daughter Aarti Patel on a Secret Santa gift card ( Our grandchildren organised Secret Santa within the family ) and she can recognise my handwriting easily. Indra was more than happy to help me. As I began to leave, she wished me a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I reciprocated in true festive spirit.
Another customer standing behind me overheard us. Of Chinese origin, he wished me well for the greetings and said being a Roman Catholic, he was overwhelmed by my wishes. I said that's the beauty of Canada – Unity in Diversity.
The Sanatan Temple in Markham and other Hindu temples across the Greater Toronto Area celebrate Christmas every year. They organise parties for children, and also observe Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Remembrance Day among other days. Despite the random spurts of incidents that often mar the otherwise unified spirit of this country, I am very much overwhelmed to see the ocean of humanity which is the real essence of Canada. Bhavna and I wish Merry Christmas ( January 7) and Happy New Year( January 14) as per the Julian calendar to our Orthodox brothers and sisters. God bless all.
Suresh & Bhavna Patel
By email
