Report by: Cyprian Misquith, MCCP Vice President – Sports and Finance Committees

Photographs by: Deepak D’Souza-MCCP Cultural Secretary

Muscat, Dec 16: The children’s Christmas party was held for the MCCP member’s children recently at the Main Parish Hall, Ruwi Church from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm. The hall was beautifully decorated with balloons and streamers. The crib looked lively and the Christmas tree was fully lit up, filled with hollies, toys, etc., it was prominently placed on the stage for a perfect view by the audience. 

It began with registration being done by Madam Jacintha Serrao, Internal Auditor and Madam Celine D’souza, Secretary Community Services. Eight groups were formed and to experience the joy and happiness of the season, the groups were aptly named, Angels, Bells, Wreaths, Stockings, Candles, Star, Santa and Snowman. More than 150 children turned out for the lovely party.

The Masters of Ceremony for the program were Miss Kimberly Dias and Master Marlon Dias, they set the tone for the party by explaining the advent season and the importance of Christmas in our lives. Rev. Father Sebastian led the audience in prayer and the welcome address was done in her own style by the First lady President, Madam Monica Dantis.

To bring the gathering into the Christmas mood, the joker, played by Mr. Sylvester Vaz led the children for the March Past. First time in the history of MCCP many young upcoming musicians have shown their talents by playing  music for the Christmas carols, they were :

1.Ashwitha Aranha
2. Dale Dantis
3. Alston Moras
4. Saurav Rebello
5.Shannon D’Souza  and   well known Larissa Rego /  Kimberley Dias /  Meval Dantis.
 The Carol singers were:
1.  Kimberly Dias
2. Shonery Mascarenhas
3. Jayal Tharakan
4. Larissa Rego
5. Dale Dantis
6. Josma Rodrigues
7. Saurav Rebello
8. Lenita Lobo
9. Relitsa Correa
10. Shannon D’Souza
11. Alston Moras
12. Shaina D’Souza
13. Ashwitha Aranha
14. Melita Rodrigues
15. Marlon D’Cruz and  Meval Dantis
The Carol singing was conducted by our community’s talented Musician Mr. Meval Dantis, all the children joined in the singing.  It was a great experience to hear all the children totally involved in the carol singing and melodiously singing in unison.

It was thus time for spot questions and group games for the children. It was conducted very well by Mrs. Gladys Misquith. The spot questions and group games were done with the age factor of the children being kept in mind, therefore all the children were involved in the activity games and enjoyed themselves.

After the fun, laughter, enjoyment and games, snacks and cold drinks is what the children expected. Snacks from Oman Modern Bakery were nicely given in packed boxes and the children relished them. It was time for more spot prizes and this time it was conducted by Madam Jacintha Serrao.

The surprise unfolded and the children were amazed to see the Joker, Santa Claus and the other group performers come dancing “Nathalancho Kell” in to the beats of the melodious Christmas carols. This team consisted of Sunil D’Souza, Peter, Hanson, Deepak D’souza, Lancy Lobo, Rakesh, Ivan Moras and Victor Baptist as Santa.

The children wanted the party to continue, but it was time to propose the vote of thanks, which was very well done by Miss Jayal Tharakan.

For any event to be successful, we require the financial aid of our sponsors. The main sponsor for this party was Bank Muscat SAOG, while the other sponsors were Multitech contracting Co. LLC,  A Well wisher,  Assarain Food Products, Sweets of Oman, Oman Foodstuff – Brinston Noronha, Jessie Pereira, Anitha Lobo and Gracy Castelino, our sincere thanks go out to all of them. We express our gratitude to Ivan Moras & family for setting up the Christmas tree and the crib. We praise Bernard for the wonderful music, sound system and for the special effects on stage.

As usual the little children expect their goody bag to be as heavy and possible with a lot of gifts. The Executive Committee ensured that those children reminisce the party, therefore teamed up with Santa Claus to distribute the useful gifts for the children. One child said to me as she was leaving, I have never attended such a wonderful party all my life. While another one said, I liked the games because I won two prizes.