Blood Suckers

*I dug this post out from the depths of my Drafts. I had meant to post it earlier (as is obvious from the date). I guess I am not very different from the general forgetful multitude.

Vampires- moody, xerophobous, strangely intriguing undead creatures that have, over a surprisingly short period of time, transformed from foul blood suckers to tragic heroes. Vampire stories originated from the Eastern European folktales and have now become an integral part of the clan of supernatural (alive/partially dead/undead) creatures that walk the earth.

My perception about zem vampires has never been very good. Here's how I saw them up till now.

The Cartoon Age: Vampires could be seen lying in coffins and lurking in the shadows. These animated vampires could only have been slightly scary when they played a sweet host to a lost damsel or passenger looking for shelter for the night. The gracious host kept an eye on his guest by looking through a painting or hiding behind secret doorways in his extremely ancient and spooky mansion. This was all very adorable because I liked Dracula.

The Teenage: Those sitcoms with cute guys playing a vampire trying to live a normal life. Frankly, I don't remember seeing any vampire movies. Werewolves were much more popular despite vampires being more attractive to the human race. Ruskin Bond's omnibus did nothing to increase my interest in vampires. Those nocturnal blood suckers failed to leave a mark.
Oh and vamps(short for vampires) became synonymous with the female soap opera villains.

The Sad Age: Its sad when a single series changes the definition of a vampire. Whether you believe in a certain mythical creature or not, you cannot, all of a sudden, change the way it functions. And now according to Stephanie Meyer widely popular series, vampires shine instead of burning. The 'hottest' vampire on the block has made girls fantasize about vampires than fear them for all eternity. Shocking.
The latest vampire craze is a show called Vampire Dairies. And when I did give it a chance after a lot of persuasion, I found it to be nothing more than a soap opera that gets too dramatic for my taste.

If you are a vampire fan , this might interest you.
Speaking for myself, the only way I see myself actually liking vampires is if I myself turn into one.
Even then, the chances aren't too high.

That Christmassy Feeling

Is it time for Christmas ALREADY?
Time flies by. Why, its been over a year since I have been blogging regularly now. But anyway, back to Christmas.

Jingle Bell Jingle Bell Jingle Bell rock
Jingle Bells swing and Jingle bells sing
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the Jingle hop has begun...

No snow. Lots of carols being sung at the church around the corner from dawn to dusk. Jingle Bells. Rudolf, the Red-nosed Reindeer. Long time ago in Bethlehem. We wish to you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Christmas Polka. And the lot.
I do remember a few Hindi ones back from my school days, the most popular one being - Jaago sone waalon koi jagaane aya hai- for the simple irony of the song. Once the audience sniggered to its heart's content and the song still wouldn't get over, nearly everybody fell into a droopy sleepy state. Christmas used to be so much fun, despite the fact that it was always celebrated during exam week.
A few Christmas decorations here and there - enough by Indian standards. I might decorate a pot plant with the remnants of bells and stars I found in a box in one of my drawers. In addition, I am going to bake a beautiful cake this Christmas. I might watch the Ghost of Girlfriends Past again. Or maybe not.
For those who cannot bring themselves to get into the Christmas mood here is a little something that might help counter that.

Tips to help get into the Christmas mood:

1. Christmassy Movies: Revive that Christmassy feeling with a Christmas comedy. The first three Home Alone movies ought to do the trick. If not, try Christmas with the Franks. The Polar Express-an animated view of the North Pole is another good one.
2. Christmas food: If you belong to one of those not-so-rare breed of people who love to cook, you could choose some rich, savory dish to cook for Christmas. It'll serve the dual purpose of exercising your culinary skills and getting you all worked up because its Christmas. From a simple Christmas pudding to roasted chicken or turkey- there's a wide range to choose from. It's just another excuse to stuff yourself with delicious mouth-watering goodies.
3. Watch a season of Friends everyday. That'll get you into the mood for Thanksgiving too. They celebrate Christmas once every Season, like we all do.
4. Go caroling: If you have a pleasing voice(or even otherwise) join the choir in your nearest church. And if denial is all that you get from that end, you could simply enjoy watching the choir sing.
5. Become a benefactor: All those clothes that don't fit you anymore should no longer be allowed to occupy valuable space in your closet. Donate them. Its getting colder with every passing day and there are many unfortunate souls who could use a little warmth. This'll generate a great feeling even if doesn't get you all worked up for Christmas.
6. Host a Christmas party: It could be great party on Christmas Eve or a simple affair for some of your close friends. Or simply go for an outing on account of Christmas.
7. Create presents: Make something for family and close friends. Making a gift adds a personal touch and a gift is always appreciated. Moreover, why should gift culture be only limited to Diwali? Christmas should be a chance to gift things that are more meaningful than that given/received during Diwali season.

Or think outside the box and start a new Christmas tradition and do tell me all about it.