How Summer Vacations Have Changed

Summer vacation has changed extensively over the years. I belong to an era of landline phones and letters which were the primary means of communication. We had very unstructured, unplanned holidays. Today vacations have become more structured, well planned and evokes a sense of thrill and excitement.

During our days, holidays were meant to give a break to children as the scorching sun in the month of April-May was unbearable and would sap energy. Today it's more of purpose bound from exploring new exotic destinations to developing new skills so on and so forth.

Holidays --Then

Break from studies: vacation was much awaited as we would get a break from studies and we would indulge in activities which would bring joy by playing outdoors which included hide n seek, hopscotch to name a few and indoor games were importantly carom, ludo and snake n ladder etc.

Visit to Grandparents/ relatives: I had the privilege of visiting grandparents’ house daily as they lived in the vicinity. So visiting them in particular during vacation was not in do-to list.

We visited aunts/uncle's as bonding was profoundly deep with cousins who waited for us and welcomed us and then shared about each other’s lives. Aunty cooked scrumptious meal which we all sat down cross legged keeping the kitchen door open for the breeze to get in which would balm the heat and we had a hearty satisfying meal, visit to temples and beach were previously planned, watching the sunset, various shades of Orange colour in the sky, and the horizon aroused questions on the mesmerizing creation by the creator, God. Waves which were calm and could turn gigantic in no time reminded us that calmness and destruction goes hand in hand. Long chats under the starry sky with cousins planning our next visit went on. Family would Sleep in one room under a single ceiling fan or a pedestal fan swaying all night. No complaints of heat yet, as the warmth in relations kept us relaxed and chilled. Luxury was for the rich but we felt truly enriched with our loved ones.

Relaxation and fun: Focus was on fun, recharge and to get back to school with zest and zeal.

Holidays -Now

Planned and structured: Vacations are full of activities like summer camps, music class, adventure camps and  academic classes still on alongside to meet the challenges of academics for the next term.

Outdoor games are so much restricted as kids have become gadget addicts and love to stay indoors glued to Television, play station mobile in an air conditioned packed room. Traditional outdoor games are slowly diminishing and hi- tech games are taking its place.

Luxury lavish destination: A visit to Grandparents or relatives has declined. Even if it is in do- to list duration of stay has significantly reduced as an idea of disturbance, barging in and encroachment on others space has set in which did not even cross our minds back then.

Exploration of new exotic destinations came into existence. As i mentioned holidays now are interesting and thrilling but the concern arises that Is it truly thrilling and interesting which will last long  where in each family member is hung to his or her own mobile even during holidays? sense of belongingness and oneness likely to  decrease as holidays is the perfect time to rebuild and restrengthen our equations by giving complete attention and time to each other.

Life without gadget is likely very hard but minimising the use and restructuring as a family should be a purpose in do-to list.

Summer vacation is on. Make it truly enjoyable, invigorating and create memories which you can cherish. Limit your exposure to gadgets and spend quality time with family, friends and near and dear ones.

Enhance your ability in any area of your interest.

Technology has connected us all on fingertips but let us make sure it does not disconnect us emotionally. Let us closely knit it back again.

Have a break free vacation from self-imposed barriers and restrictions. King of fruits, Mangoes are out everywhere. Let us relish it , sweeten our lives and spread Sweetness around. Let’s make each day worth cherishing.

(The author is a tutor based in Thane.)