Christmas Day

                                                                                                Check:  Christian Festivals

About Christmas:

Christmas, which is celebrated by Christians, honours the birth of Jesus Christ, who is revered as God's son. Every year on December 25, the festival of Christmas has developed through two eras into a secular and religious holiday celebrated all over the world. In India, the Christmas holiday is a gazetted holiday. It commemorates Jesus' lineage. Christians all throughout the country rejoice and have fun during the event.

The 25th of December is a public holiday in the majority of countries, including India. In states with a higher proportion of Christians, the holiday is easiest to understand. The display of nativity scenes, Santa Claus's arrival, and the lighting of Christmas trees are just a few of the traditions that make up the Christmas season. For Christians around the world, Christmas is the most important holiday.

How do People Celebrate Christmas Holidays in India?

1. During the Christmas season in India, a tapestry of unique traditions and customs adorns the festive landscape. People partake in a series of heartwarming rituals that infuse the air with joy and celebration.  
2. One of the distinctive practices involves the decoration of banana or mango trees. These trees, readily found across the country, serve as canvases for festive creativity. Families come together to adorn their homes with the lush greenery of banana and mango leaves, known as 'Toran.' Crafty hands fashion 'Toran' banners using marigolds and mango leaves, which are then gracefully draped over doorways, imparting a fragrant and festive touch.  
3. As the sun sets, the ambience transforms into a warm, inviting spectacle. Indoor and outdoor spaces come alive with the gentle glow of paper lanterns, electric lamps, and the soft flicker of oil-burning lamps. Southern India, in particular, adds a touch of enchantment with small clay lamps adorning flat rooftops, casting a mesmerizing nighttime spell. In Goa, along the western coast, star-shaped paper lanterns create a captivating starry pathway.  
4. A significant aspect of Christmas in India is the creation of the Christmas crib or nativity scene. This artistic tableau often includes sand, rocks, bricks, and native plants, elevating its appeal and storytelling.  
5. To mark the special occasion, people embark on a shopping spree, selecting holiday outfits that reflect their style. It's a time for sharing and caring as loved ones exchange small gifts and sweets. Santa caps and reindeer headbands, readily available during the Christmas season, add a touch of local charm.  
6. No Christmas celebration in India is complete without savouring traditional delights like Kerala plum cake or Christmas fruit cake, cherished treats in households across the country. The dinner table is adorned with regional specialities, including spicy pork and chicken curries, creating a feast to remember. 
7.  As the clock ticks towards midnight, the anticipation of Father Christmas grows. In India, he arrives in style on a horse-drawn cart, carrying presents and goodwill, a cherished tradition that warms hearts. 
8. States like Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam come alive with vibrant Christmas celebrations. Midnight masses at churches resonate with candle-lighting ceremonies and heartfelt prayers, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere. 
9. On Goa's picturesque beaches, music, dance, and local cuisine take centre stage, making Christmas festivals a lively affair. In major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, the holiday spirit envelops the streets, offering diverse experiences. 
10. For those seeking adventure, a scenic toy train journey between Kalka and Shimla promises breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, rustic cabins, and British-era buildings. The landscape unfolds like a winter wonderland. 
11.  In the port city of Kochi, year-end festivals come alive with art exhibitions, traditional games, and thrilling sports events, offering a vibrant end to the year. 
12. Throughout this festive season, the air is filled with the melodious strains of carols. Even if the lyrics remain foreign, the uplifting melodies bridge the language barrier, adding to the joyful atmosphere. In places like Goa and Bandra, locals and visitors alike join in the spirited tradition of carolling, creating harmonious memories that linger long after the holiday season. 

Public Life on Christmas Holiday in India

On Christmas Day, all state, national and local banks and offices will remain closed. Businesses and stores owned by Christians in India will be closed. They may have the reduced working hours. Those willing to utilise public transport facilities on the day may require contacting the local authorities to check on timetables.

Background

The early Christian community distinguished between determining Jesus' birth date and its liturgical celebration. It took time for the observance of Jesus' birth to become established. Interestingly, in the first two centuries of Christianity, there was resistance to celebrating birthdays, including Jesus and martyrs'. Church Fathers questioned pagan birthday customs, emphasizing martyrs' anniversaries as their true 'birthdays'. 

The origin of 25 December as Jesus' birth date is unclear, lacking New Testament clues. Sextus Julius Africanus proposed it in 221, eventually gaining acceptance. One theory links it to ‘dies solis invicti nati’, a Roman winter solstice celebration. Christian writers later connected the sun's rebirth with the birth of the Son, raising questions about adopting pagan customs. 

Another theory links 25 December to 25 March, the day of Jesus' conception, due to the spring equinox's association with creation. Christmas' formal liturgical celebration began in the 9th century, never rivalling Good Friday or Easter. Roman Catholics have midnight Christmas Eve mass, while Protestants host late 24 December candlelight services. The 'lessons and carols service, combining carols with salvation history readings, gained popularity. 

Christmas spread globally, retaining religious character in non-Western countries where Christians are a minority. South and Central America feature unique religious and secular traditions. Brazil celebrates a summer Christmas with picnics and fireworks. In India, some replace evergreen trees with mango or bamboo trees and adorn homes with mango leaves and paper stars. Japan embraces secular aspects like trees and songs, with less focus on religious elements. 

Top Five Destinations to Celebrate Christmas Holiday in India

• Goa - Renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, Goa is arguably the ultimate destination to experience Christmas in India. With its Portuguese heritage and a significant Catholic community, Christmas is celebrated here with immense fervour. Churches and homes are adorned with captivating lights and poinsettia flowers while children sing Christmas carols late into the night. People of all ages gather at churches for midnight mass, making Christmas in Goa a renowned and tourist-attracting spectacle. 
• Shillong - Nestled in the picturesque region of Meghalaya in northeastern India, Shillong boasts a sizable Christian population that celebrates Christmas with grandeur, making it an enchanting place to experience the holiday in the northeast. The streets, churches, and homes are bedecked with dazzling lights, and the festive spirit permeates the air. The midnight mass draws throngs to the city's churches, accompanied by soulful gospel music. The natural beauty of the region, its delectable cuisine, and the palpable Christmas excitement combine to create unforgettable memories. 
• Kerala - Kerala offers a complete Christmas experience for holidaymakers. With a strong Christian presence and numerous churches, the state observes this beloved holiday with great enthusiasm. Houses, churches, and streets are adorned with splendid decorations and lighting. Churches, both large and small, remain open throughout the night, attracting thousands of worshippers for midnight mass. Besides partaking in the festivities, visitors can explore Kerala's backwaters pristine beaches, indulge in spice shopping, and venture into the Western Ghats. It's undeniably the ideal time to visit Kerala. 
• Mumbai - Mumbai, synonymous with its fast-paced lifestyle, surprises with its vibrant Christmas celebrations. The western suburb of Bandra is a Christmas hotspot in the city, known for its Catholic community. Hill Road dazzles with floral decorations and lights during the Christmas season. Decorated Christmas trees line the pavement, set up by local families in the spirit of the holiday. The city's churches are beautifully illuminated and attract people of diverse religious backgrounds who come to revel in the festivities with friends and family. 
• Pondicherry - Situated just off the Tamil Nadu coast, Pondicherry is a captivating union territory often referred to as "Little France." With its remarkable architecture, pristine beaches, and delectable French cuisine, it is home to a significant Christian population that celebrates Christmas with traditional rituals and joyous celebrations. The churches, particularly the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Sacred Heart of Jesus, are adorned with stunning decorations and host midnight masses that draw the entire town. Celebrating Christmas in Pondicherry offers a delightful blend of relaxation at the beach, exploration of marine life, and immersive festive experiences.

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