In a Hindu dominant country,
With x percent of Christians present,
We light the candle at the church, with an equal enthusiasm,
We shop for Christmas trees, with an equal zeal.
Yet, it’s important to know what religion does one belong to?
Whether you follow or no.

We eat rum cakes, we go for fancy brunches,
We have the finest wine, we go for Christmas parades,
We play secret Santa’s, buy gifts for one another,
And let the kids believe in,
When they find a beautifully wrapped gift,
Near the artificial Christmas tree, as they wake.
Yet, it’s important to remind them to not marry a Christian.
Because we marry only in our own religion.

Even though it’s been a tradition,
Since the girl was 1 year old,
That the mom bought her a gift,
And kept it under her pillow,
While she was asleep.
To make her believe in fantastical Santa,
That someone’s up there.
To grant our wishes.
To help solve our problems.
To forcefully trust the existence of god.

Even though the it’s been 30 years,
Of waking up to a surprise,
On Christmas morning.
The girl is reminded not to marry a Christian.
Because we marry in our own religion.
Because other religions are not as _____ as ours.
Because one thread on your body dictates you as _____.
Because one embroidered cap on your head dictates you as _____.
Because one cross in your neck dictates you as _____.
And any mixing of religion specific bloods,
Would cause havoc,
A volcanic eruption.

But surely we don’t mind,
Cakes, brunches, wines, parades,
Trees, gifts and putting on a façade.

Celebrate, but don’t marry.
Become friends, but don’t marry.

Be merry, but don’t marry merry.
Merry Christmas!
But don’t marry a Christian!

-uk