A Satire in Festive Wrapping - By Kanchana Perera

Written By: Kanchana Perera

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In a thought-provoking piece titled "A Satire in Festive Wrapping," Kanchana Perera presents a unique perspective in the category of Poetry for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This compelling work invites readers to reflect on the commercialization of festive traditions. With its biting satire, it challenges the audience to reconsider the values and practices that have become synonymous with the holiday season.

About the Work

Kanchana Perera's poem is a sharp critique of the commercialization inherent in modern Christmas celebrations. Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, the poem exposes the incongruities between genuine faith and consumer-driven practices. It speaks to the heart of societal norms that prioritize profit over authenticity, urging a return to simplicity and genuine human connection.

Satire in Festive Wrapping

Original Submission by Kanchana Perera

A Satire in Festive Wrapping

First things first

don’t blame Bethlehem’s sky

capitalism has always loved

a good star to hitch a sale to

Wonder,

who pawned off the holy hush,

who bubble‑wrapped the manger like fragile

merchandise,

who decided the angels needed glitter.

The cross wasn’t engineered solely by merchants.

It was prototyped in sanctuaries

where abundance strutted around as “blessing,”

where faith learned to network with power

and call it fellowship

instead of what it was:

a very pious merger.

These days we crucify Christmas

with manners.

We do it tastefully

with receipts long enough to double as scrolls,

with joy sponsored by brands

that trademark the word “merry,”

with carols piped through malls

where mercy is on back‑order.

John still loiters at the edge of the festivities,

unmoved by our tinsel‑coated guilt,

demanding fruit

not influencer repentance,

not charity that expires on the 26th,

but lives on a diet

that doesn’t binge on someone else’s hunger.

“Come out,” scripture pleads.

Not into holiness cosplay,

but away from bargain bins

that cost the poor their dignity.

Do not fondle what corrodes the soul

while congratulating your clean hands.

The worship God actually recognizes

is inconvenient,

unprofitable,

and deeply allergic

to traditions that crown the spectacle

while misplacing the child.

So this Christmas,

let us decline the annual circus of excess.

Let refusal be our festive miracle.

Let restraint out‑preach the choirs.

Let repentance arrive

lean, luminous,

and gloriously unsponsored.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is an esteemed platform celebrating literary creativity from around the world. It invites poets and writers to share their unique voices and perspectives, encouraging a diverse array of themes and styles. This competition continues to be a beacon for emerging and established writers alike.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Kanchana Perera for sharing "A Satire in Festive Wrapping" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This insightful work enriches our understanding of the festive season and its deeper implications. Thank you, Kanchana, for your thought-provoking contribution to the literary world.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.