‘Tis the season of joy!
You’ve probably watched a million Christmas movies, soaking in the cozy vibe of snow, twinkling trees, epic parties, and, of course, beautifully wrapped gifts. But have you ever wondered how we celebrate Christmas here in India? What makes it unique, with our own Desi touch? And speaking of parties, how can you throw the perfect Christmas bash at home—and where do you find all the right decor and goodies?
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, and in India, it takes on a unique flavor blending Western traditions with rich cultural influences from across the country. While Christmas in India may not be celebrated with the same level of extravagance as in some Western countries, it holds great significance for Christians and people of other faiths alike, who take part in the festivities. Let’s explore how Christmas is celebrated in India, the various traditions observed, and the influence of regional customs that make Indian Christmas celebrations special. Keep reading to know how you can celebrate Christmas with 10clubhomes!
Christmas 2024 in India
Since it doesn’t snow in most parts of India during Christmas, the vibe here feels a bit different from the snowy scenes in movies. Christmas in India isn’t just a religious celebration—it’s a cultural get-together and the perfect kick-off to New Year festivities! Families and friends gather to share delicious meals, exchange thoughtful gifts, and make memories. While Christians form a minority in India, their festive traditions have become a beautiful and cherished part of our multicultural celebrations.
Preparing for Christmas in India
The preparations for Christmas in India start well in advance, with many Christian and other families beginning to decorate their homes and churches a few weeks before the 25th of December. One of the most notable traditions is the setting up of a Christmas tree. While the tree is a Western tradition, it has been enthusiastically adopted by families across India. The tree is decorated with glittering lights, colorful ornaments, and sometimes even traditional Indian items like beads, ribbons, and bells.
Midnight Mass and Church Celebrations
Attending midnight mass is a key tradition in India, where families gather in churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This religious service typically starts late in the evening on Christmas Eve and continues past midnight. Churches across India, from small village chapels to grand city cathedrals, are beautifully decorated with poinsettias, candles, and lights, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The mass includes prayers, hymns, and a recounting of the nativity story, emphasizing themes of peace, joy, and goodwill.
The churches in regions like Goa, Kerala, and parts of the northeast are particularly known for their elaborate Christmas services, with some regions even organizing special choirs and processions.
The Christmas Feast
The best part of Christmas in India is the feast! The Christmas dinner, often shared with extended family and friends, is a lavish affair filled with delicious food that combines traditional Indian flavors with Western influences.
In states like Goa, Kerala, and Mangalore, the menu is a delightful mix of rich curries, seafood, and meats like roast turkey, baked ham, and chicken xacuti. For desserts, treats like plum cake (made with soaked dried fruits, spices, and sometimes alcohol), rose cookies, and kulkuls (sweet fried dough pastries) are common. In some regions, appams (a type of pancake) are served with stews made from beef or chicken, a dish loved by Christians in Kerala.
In the North, Kesar Pista cake, fruit cake, and sandesh (a Bengali sweet) make an appearance. Street food vendors, particularly in metropolitan cities, are known for selling Christmas-themed snacks such as rum balls, fruit cakes, and pudina (mint) flavoured treats.
Caroling and Community Gatherings
Caroling is another important tradition that has been embraced in India. Groups of singers, often going door-to-door, spread Christmas cheer by singing traditional carols like “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” These carolers typically sing in both English and regional languages, blending Christmas hymns with local folk music, which makes the experience even more festive and inclusive.
In many towns and cities, community celebrations take place, where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate Christmas. These gatherings may include music, dance, and theatrical performances centered around the Christmas story, highlighting the communal and joyous spirit of the holiday.
Unique Christmas Traditions Across India
While the broad theme of Christmas celebrations remains the same across India, different regions have unique traditions that add local flair to the festivities.
- Goa – Goa, known for its vibrant Christmas celebrations, is often the first place in India where Christmas festivities start. Churches are illuminated with candles, and the streets are decorated with stars made from bamboo and colored paper.
- Kerala – Kerala has one of the largest Christian populations in India, and Christmas celebrations here are rich in local customs. The festive season begins with the Vennalav (Christmas Vigil) at churches, and families decorate their homes with stars and lighted candles. A Kerala Christmas meal often includes idiappam, steamed rice cakes, and appam with coconut-based curries.
- Northeastern States – In the northeastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Meghalaya, Christmas is celebrated with grand enthusiasm. These states have a unique way of celebrating Christmas, with fancy dress parades, community feasts, and the exchange of handcrafted gifts. In these areas, the carol singing is particularly elaborate, and the church services are a central part of the celebration.
Gifting and Charity
Gift-giving is an integral part of Christmas in India, just as it is in Western cultures. People exchange gifts with family members, friends, and colleagues, often sharing items like clothes, toys, chocolates, and handcrafted goods. Christmas cards are also exchanged, with warm wishes.
Another important tradition is charity. Christmas in India is often associated with giving back to those in need. Many churches and organizations organize community events like food drives, clothing donations, and free meals for the underprivileged, embodying the spirit of kindness and generosity that the holiday represents.
Red, Green and White Christmas Must-haves
Bright red metal vase
Green candle holder
Red artificial flowers
Green metal tray
White ceramic dining set
Green photo frames
Red metal storage boxes
Green metal lantern
Scented candles
As India continues to embrace global influences while cherishing its own cultural heritage, Christmas celebrations here will only continue to grow in beauty, diversity, and warmth, making it a festival for everyone to enjoy.
Pick out your favourite Christmas decorations from the above list and start your traditions this year.
Happy shopping!