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Description: On 24 November, Convent of Jesus & Mary, Shimla celebrated Christmas in a way that truly reflected the spirit of the season: warm, sincere, and filled with compassion. This year, our celebration became even more meaningful as we welcomed the children from UDAAN as our special guests. UDAAN, a Shimla-based organisation working tirelessly for the education, care, therapy, and empowerment of mentally and physically challenged children, lives up to its name by giving these children a safe space to grow, learn, and take flight in their own way. Having them with us was not just an event but an honour. The morning began with festive cheer echoing through the school corridors. There were carols, performances, decorations, and the unmistakable excitement that only a Christmas celebration brings. What stood out the most was the energy that filled the space the moment the UDAAN children arrived, bright, innocent, and full of joy. As part of our school’s long-standing tradition of Sharing & Caring, we presented them with gifts prepared with thought and affection. It was not about the gifts themselves, but the intention behind them: to make them feel valued, included, and celebrated. After the programme, the children from UDAAN came and sat with the Class 12 students, and this simple moment became the heart of the day. There were no barriers or awkwardness, just conversations, laughter, shared plates, and genuine warmth. Students helped them with food, chatted with them, and shared stories, creating a space where everyone felt equal and connected. In those small interactions, offering a piece of cake, holding a hand, exchanging a smile, the essence of Christmas came alive more honestly than any grand celebration ever could. As the day came to an end, there was a quiet sense of fulfillment that lingered in the air. Celebrating Christmas with the children of UDAAN reminded us that kindness is not a grand gesture but a collection of small, heartfelt moments. It was a day that taught us once again that giving is always more beautiful than receiving, and that true joy is found in togetherness, empathy, and love. At Convent of Jesus & Mary, we carry forward not just a tradition but a belief that every act of caring creates a ripple, and every shared moment has the power to change hearts.