As the city gears up to celebrate Christmas, we ask a few families about cherished customs that have been handed down over generationsChristmas is a time for piety and celebration. The churches are lit up, and twinkling Christmas trees take centre-stage in houses. A few families share with us the traditions and customs they have been following for generations to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.Family and friends to the foreThe Christmas season starts from the first day of Advent, which usually falls around November-end. We begin the celebrations by putting up a Christmas Tree with a special prayer. The head of the family puts the star atop the tree. One of the most special traditions is the baking of cakes. Most Christmas cakes in shops nowadays are not authentic. The raisins used in the cakes need to be soaked in rum for many days, which is not usually done. That is why we bake our own cakes. We also brew our own wine from grapes. We make traditional sweets like rose cookies, kulkul, guava cheese and marzipan cookies too. Guests drop in at home every day.Shopping is another integral part of Christmas. A trip to Begum Bazaar is also a staple on the Christmas agenda, to buy Christmas trees, decorations, trinkets and lights. Clothes are often made to order.On the eve of Christmas, there’s a midnight service at church. People visit each other to exchange greetings and gifts. Some people engage in charitable activities like donating food and blankets to the poor. The day after Christmas – Boxing Day – is also important. Christmas balls are organised, mainly by members of the Anglo-Indian community. The festivities end with the Three King’s Feast on January 6. Christmas brings us close to God and our loved ones. It’s a time for celebration and coming together as a community.Roydin Roach, former president, Telangana All India Catholic AssociationRecipe for comfortTwo words come to my mind when I hear the word ‘Christmas’ – family and tradition. For me, the Christmas season is deeply rooted in traditions that have spanned generations.On the run-up to the festival, there’s a lot of activity – the house is cleaned, the crib is set up and the tree adorned with ornaments my family has been collecting for over 20 years – all to the sound of Jim Reeves’ deep voice melodiously singing the old familiar carols. The house is filled with the scent of cinnamon and spice from all the baking, following the recipes passed down by my grandmother.We go from door-to-door in the neighbourhood, singing carols and distributing hampers of cookies and cake to friends and those who offer us their services throughout the year. We visit orphanages and old-age homes, attend carol singing competitions and church gatherings. Secret Santa activities keep us on our toes too.On Christmas Eve, the family goes for midnight mass, and once we get back at 2 a.m., the wine is served, the plum cake is devoured and the house is filled with carols and last-minute packing of Christmas gifts for the children. Christmas morning begins with hurried cooking and unwrapping of ‘Santa’s’ gifts. Thereafter, a heavy lunch is followed by a round carols sung by the family and a long, well-earned afternoon nap.There’s no other way I’d spend this time of the year.Neha Joseph Sindhu, Financial analystPassing on the true meaning of ChristmasChristmas, for me, is all about family togetherness and creating lasting memories. Every year, we begin decorating the house in the first few weeks of December, filling our home with festive lights, ornaments, and a beautiful Christmas tree. We love listening to Christmas carols like Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing while we work, setting a joyful mood for the season.Our family has several cherished Christmas traditions that we continue every year. One of the highlights is baking or making Christmas goodies together, a tradition that has been followed since I was a child. We make rose cookies, kulkuls, diamond biscuits, and gorgeous plum cakes, filling the house with warm, delicious smells. We love gathering with friends and family to sing carols.We also take the time to tell the story of Christmas to the children, ensuring that the holiday’s true meaning is passed down through generations. These traditions make Christmas an incredibly special time for our family.Carmel Suares, AICC member
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