“New house or old house, Christmas is always special. It’s not in the house, it’s in the heart. And you can make it special no matter where you are — in a hotel, at home, in a new house or at your old pad. It’s one of my favourite holidays in the year. I enjoy it and it’s even more fun with my kids around. There are a lot of presents under the tree for them when they wake up on Christmas morning. The effort Daniel and I make is to teach them gradually that the festival is a lot more than the tree and presents,” says Sunny, who has recently bought a new set of kitchen utilities. Sunny adds, “I don’t know what the menu for Christmas will be, but with these utilities, I am hoping to rustle up a really good meal for the family. The plan for this Christmas will be staying indoors, waking up in the morning and sitting around with the kids near the tree,
opening up presents from Santa.”
The actress grew up in Canada where she celebrated Christmas with her family. Recalling the time, she says, “One of the nicest memories was watching my father hang those Christmas lights every year. He would do it and I would watch him. I have kept that tradition alive in my household, too.”
An aspect of Christmas, especially for kids, has to do with Santa Claus visiting their homes and leaving them gifts under the tree in the quiet of the night. Sunny believes that there is a Santa Claus in each one of us. She shares, “The idea is to bring out that good in each one of us to help others.”
Sunny’s household is one where every festival is celebrated with equal gusto. Her children have grown up celebrating Holi, Diwali, Christmas and other
festivals. When asked if they know and understand what’s being celebrated, Sunny says, “Each festival has a meaning to it and an underlying thought. My kids, by now, know the festivals and their meanings. They will gradually understand more as they grow up. We celebrate every festival that is important for Daniel and me. For us, every festival is about being together.”
