by Lisa Dominic
NAVI MUMBAI, DEC 27, 2016 : The beautiful Christmas season of joy, love, hope and peace is here. Everyone at Don Bosco, Nerul was joyous with the warmth of the 
Christmas spirit which was evident on the faces of the students and staff members of the secondary and senior secondary section during the entire Christmas Panorama held on December 22.
The school quadrangle looked beautiful with the giant Christmas tree in the centre and danglers like stars, stockings, wreaths and candy canes made by every class. The traditional crib and star made by the junior and senior section Salesian Youth Movement students helped all remember that God's own son was born in a manger.
The day began with a special prayer service for the Non-Catholics and the Holy Eucharistic celebration for the Catholics. The main celebrant was the Rector, Father Wilfred D'Souza. During his homily Father D'Souza narrated a story to explain that if Jesus is in our hearts, we can overcome any obstacle.
The Panorama comprised of a number of group events, which students from standard six to ten participated in, namely headgear competition, carol singing competition and dance competition. The Christmas message at the end of the programme helped the students understand that Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merry making it is to remind ourselves that Jesus Christ is the real reason for Christmas.
Both the manager, Father Bonnie Borges and the principal, Father Donald Fernandez during their special Christmas message to the students and staff, pointed out that Christmas comes with the message to love, serve, forgive and care for each other always.
It was wonderful to see the awe and surprise on the faces of the students when they realised that the Santa who had brought gifts and goodies for them was actually their very own principal, Father Fernandez.
The true meaning of Christmas that is selfless sharing was also understood by the students as they contributed love gifts which will be distributed during the Christmas week to various institutions for the needy such as the ones in Alirajpur, Chhotaudepur and the oratory, balwadi and home for the aged at Nerul.
As the celebrations came to an end, the students wished their teachers and each other a Merry Christmas. "We had a rocking Christmas celebration this year and amidst all the festivities we also learnt that Christmas is about Christ," a student said, as all returned home with gifts, goodies and fond memories.