How Christmas is celebrated in India

Getting started

Advent and Christmas are hands down my favourite time of the year. I say Advent because it's the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve- when all the preparations begin. Nay, that’s when all the preparations begin to the naked eye. Honestly, the groundwork starts even earlier. Back home, a month before Christmas, we’re already soaking raisins and dry fruits in a fruity rum concoction, picking out gifts, and shopping for new clothes.

Where’s “back home,” you ask? For me, it’s India—specifically Mumbai. And let me tell you, Christmas in Mumbai is a celebration like no other. It’s all about faith, community, charity, and, of course, indulgent food and wine.

Let me take you on a little stroll down memory lane, back to my home and the festive cheer that comes alive during this glittery season.

The festivities begin at home

On the first Sunday of Advent, our Christmas tree is transformed into a glittering masterpiece, adorned with red, blue, and gold ornaments, and sparkling yellow fairy lights. A bright, star-shaped lantern (the Christmas star) is hung at the door, an Advent wreath graces our entrance, and we set up Advent candles on the home altar. There are four candles: three purple and one pink. Each Sunday of Advent, we light one candle—each representing a virtue: hope, faith, joy (pink), and peace.

Many homes also set up a Christmas crib next to their tree, with the infant Jesus placed in the crib only on Christmas Eve, as tradition follows. Prayer is at the heart of this season, but let’s not forget the food (yum!). The Christmas menu is a feast of traditions—mulled wine, Goan sweets, rose cookies, savoury curries like sorpotel and stew. India’s diversity shines through as families bring their regional traditions to life. 

The community spirit

Step outside, and the streets come alive with young voices singing Advent hymns and Christmas carols. Markets bustle with people buying sweets and decorations. Neighbours exchange plates of homemade treats because sharing is just how we roll.

Our parish takes the spirit of giving to heart. We visit the homebound, regardless of their faith, bringing them sweets and spreading cheer through carols. Trips to orphanages and homes for the aged are a must—playing games, organising music shows, and sharing gifts.

The entire parish community comes together to clean and decorate the church. A parish crib competition adds a dash of friendly rivalry, and churches around India are extravagantly decorated with Christmas adornments like Poinsettia flowers, aromatic candles, and glittering lights. Some parishes even host carnivals with games, karaoke, and food stalls, bringing everyone into the festive spirit.

Christmas Eve & Beyond

Come Christmas Eve, we dress to the nines—competing with our Christmas trees for who shines brighter—and head to the Midnight Christmas Mass. After the service, the celebrations as a community kicks into high gear with gift exchanges, dancing, and a feast that stretches into the early hours of Christmas Day.

Christmas day is itself reserved for family. A big lunch, sharing sweets with neighbours, and simply soaking in the joy of the season. But here’s the best part: Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th. The joy continues all the way to the Twelfth Night on January 5th, a period known as Christmastide. We keep our trees and wreaths up until then, extending the magic just a little longer.

With traditions reflecting a blend of global customs and local flavours, the celebration is a true embodiment of unity in diversity. As the lights twinkle and carols resonate, Christmas in India is a festive extravaganza and a beautiful testament to the enduring power of faith and community that unites people from all walks of life in the spirit of joy, love, and goodwill.