Let's celebrate

THE WEATHER is wonderful, the children have holidays and it is that time of the year when you look back and forward - the former with surprise (heavens, how time flies!), and the latter with resolve (to do all you couldn't the last year and the one before and the one before that...). A New Year is not a traditional Indian celebration but like all other events that find place in our calendar, it is celebrated simply because it is so much fun.

Across the city, business is peaking with sales and special offers. So here is a look at what the hotels, bakeries and fun spots have lined up for the season. The five star hotels have nice bashes for their exclusive clientele - from "imported" live bands for that flavour of the foreign, DJ-led discotheques, theme decor, extravagant buffets, group games, raffles and fabulous freebies which range from gift hampers to luxury holidays. For anywhere between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000 per couple, they promise it will be a night to remember, many nights afterwards. They also offer a selection of goodies in their cake shops - from plum and Xmas cakes to Yule logs and cheeses.

For those who find that a bit too rich to reckon, there need be no regret. Restaurants and eateries are hard at work, cooking up special menus to pamper you with temptations which could have you breaking your resolutions even before you make them.

Also set and ready to swing are liquor-free celebrations such as the one at Qwiky's which promises new "coffee cocktails" in non- alcoholic rum, brandy, whisky, Irish cream and so on. Along with Santa, there will be good company for the games, DJ music and carol-singing 'baristas.' The Red-E-Food Court, besides offering a new menu, has some programmes aimed at charity.

While we are getting all set to holiday, the bakeries are working overtime.

While the regular plum cakes are soaked for a week, the rich fruity Christmas cakes are soaked in rum (and a moisturiser made principally of liquid glucose) for 21 days. This season sees Adyar Bakery selling three to four tons of heady stuff. Like the other cake shops they too are offering a new range of special goodies besides a four ft. Santa Claus, hand-made with bread, baked and then painted with edible food colours. It will be on display at the main Adyar outlet right upto "a day or two after New Year".

Another amusing option could be the one at Kishkinta, the amusement park. They have put together a "0 per cent alcohol and 100 per cent fun' programme which includes a magic show featuring an elephant vanishing act, fire dances, pounding music, fireworks and an S.Ve.Shekar play (for Rs.200 for children and Rs. 300 adults). They are also offering to pick-up and drop-off those who don't wish to drive.

Many shops have beautifully done-up Christmas trees, crib and Santa displays. So some window shopping is highly recommended. Partying should best be done at a location close to your home - that way, even if you are a careful driver, you are relatively safe from those who may be too high on the "spirits" of the season. In the end, with so much to choose from, making up your mind itself could be half the fun.

LALITHA SRIDHAR

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