Doha: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC) Doha, Qatar ushered in the spirit of Christmas with a Children’s Christmas party organised at Layan Garden Villa Club House on Tuesday, December 17. Despite the light drizzle of rains that evening, the hall was filled with the laughter and excitement of 72 children ranging from age 1 to 14 years, all dressed in Christmas colours.
The MC of the evening, Anika Quadros welcomed the gathering and summarised all the events that had been planned for the evening. Alister D’Souza led the gathering into a meaningful prayer invoking God’s blessings on all. MCC General Secretary Naveen D’Souza welcomed the gathering and thanked the parents for bringing their children to the party. He also thanked Excom and all volunteers for the help rendered in organising the Christmas Party. D’Souza further announced the upcoming program of MCC titled ‘Talents Show’ which will be held on January 31, 2020.
The kids were delighted to watch a stunning dance performance on the song ‘Santa Claus is coming to Town’ by Sarah D’Silva, Sieena Machado, and Dionna Gomes. The beautiful dance was choreographed by Delita D’Souza. This was followed by a Christmas message by Dorothy Noronha. Being a catechist at the Friday Catechism Ministry, Dorothy explained the significance of Christmas to the children in a very easy and understandable manner. She highlighted the importance of being good children and respecting and obeying parents. She also said that we should always remember that we are precious beings of God and concluded with two spot questions for the children. Spot prizes were given away to children who answered her questions.
The most awaited moment of the evening was the entry of Santa Claus who danced his way to the stage with the ever-popular carol ’Jingle bells’ and gave away chocolates to all children. This was followed by the cutting of the Christmas cake by Santa, MCC committee members, and children. The children enjoyed a photo shoot with Santa. All the children and the parents present were served cake. Michelle Loovis rendered the vote of thanks for the evening and thanked all those who made this Christmas Party a huge success.
This was followed by involving all the kids present for a group game session. All kids were divided into 4 groups; Pink, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Group games consisted of performing any Christmas carol in the most creative way, listing maximum ‘Kuswar’ names, decorating the Christmas Tree, picking straws, forming the shape of the letters. Each group was awarded points for each game. The winning group was Pink, followed by Yellow, Green, and Blue. The young kids played Passing the Santa’s hat. Many spot games were conducted throughout the evening like, Name the 3 kings, Siblings who share their birthdays in the same month, the smallest kid in the gathering, Nearest birthday to December 25th. The games were conducted by Wendy D’Silva with the help of volunteers Kavita Tauro, Shaila D’Souza, Riana Pinto, and Naveen D’Souza.
The children then joined Santa in a dance session to wind up the fun-filled evening. All children were given a snack box and a Christmas souvenir. The children thoroughly enjoyed the evening spent with friends and the boundless joy of celebrating Christmas was visible on their faces.
MCC President Sunil D’Silva and Cultural team wishes to thank Ravi Shetty for the venue, William Aranha for the delicious cake, Naveen D’Souza for the music, Jerald D’Souza and Savious Crasta for the wonderful photography, Executive Committee members, and all volunteers for their support in bringing in the Christmas cheer and putting a smile on the faces of the little children.
