Christmas Eve Celebration

December 24, 2008, report by Jo Gibson, photos taken by Karma Lekcho, Karma Norbu

A scheduled meeting of the Kagyu Monlam Working Team in the Drolma Khang turned into an impromptu Christmas Eve party for the Gyalwang Karmapa. His Holiness came intending to present gifts to the team, but instead, the team offered His Holiness Christmas cards and a huge cake. His Holiness seemed particularly amused by one card which contained a pre-recorded chip of team members singing “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, and delighted everybody by playing it several times. He then skillfully cut the cake and portioned it out. Finally, he distributed presents - bags and umbrellas- to the team members.

The party had been planned originally to celebrate New Year but was brought forward because of the increased work load and shortage of time around 1st January.