In April this year, one of my closest friends decided to backpack solo around the world. Of course it was sad to see Shristi go, but it was to be an unmatched experience that saw her travel through the Americas, Europe & Asia for an entire year.
Fast forward to two months ago – while catching up over Skype one morning, we jokingly began talking of how awesome it would be if she were to fly back to Sydney to surprise her family for Christmas. Christmas was always a very special time for her family and it just wouldn’t be the same without her. In fact, her mother promised her before she left that upon her return, she would hold a Christmas feast to make up for the one she was going to miss out on in December. It was clear to me at this point, that we both had to do whatever we could to help make Christmas for Shristi and her family possible. So the planning began! And before we knew it, Shristi had a return ticket from Shanghai to Sydney so she could spend Christmas, New Years AND her younger sister’s birthday in Sydney, before returning to continue her travels.
Shristi arrived yesterday morning, December 23rd – two days out from Christmas. It was completely surreal. Here she was, back home, her family and friends completely oblivious to the fact. We had to wait for a few hours before I could take her home because her parents were both still at work. It wasn’t hard for her to decide what she wanted to do to pass the time – she screamed with excitement and almost broke down into tears when she suddenly realised she could finally eat at her favourite Thai place in Newtown for lunch, and indulge in coffee and chocolate at Max Brenner! So that, we did.
Finally the time came for us to surprise her parents and sister (and for her to meet the new puppy that they had acquired in her absence!). To be completely sure they were all home, when we were about two streets away from her house, I had her Skype her parents (without video of course!). The conversation was short lived – she pretended the signal was poor and told them she would call back in a few moments in the hope that the signal would be better.
Instead of calling back, we drove up to the house, walked up the driveway and she knocked on the front door….
I love Christmas, and I love that Christmas can bring families together in complete happiness and joy. Exactly how it should be! It is an extremely powerful time of the year. I wish you all a very safe and blessed Christmas.
Love,
Jonathan
no comments