Jiggle bell carols & dear Santa Celebrations

Carol singing in church and streets is a common sight. At homes children put up stockings in the hope that Santa Claus will bestow a gift to them on the Christmas Day. The traditional method is to put the stocking close to fireplace as Santa can climb down through the chimney and will fill up the stocking. This is a delightful custom, which children of all age groups enjoy. Eatables like nuts, sweets, etc. are also acceptable as gift from Santa. This tradition is carried out before dawn. The pre-preparation of the Santa’s arrival is a letter to him a few weeks earlier specifying the gift wanted by the child. Also people send flowers to Mumbai or other cities to celebrate. Santa is recognized by:

• Bulky figure.
• Red fur attached dress.
• A bag full of gifts hanging from the shoulder.
• Travels on a sleigh.
• Sleigh driven by reindeer.

The tradition of Santa Claus is based on real life Bishop Nicholas from Turkey who died in 345 CE.

Adornment & illumination

The Christmas tree is the highlight of decoration. Some use artificial tree while others keep a live tree inside the home. The tree stands well lighted with multicolored lights, mistletoe’s holly, ivy gifts, etc. Festooning of homes is another way to show happiness for the event. Included in the tree decoration is:

• Candles.
• Tiny electric lights.
• Tinsel.
• Artificial looking snow.
• Miniature Santa in red fur attached dress.
• Glass baubles, etc.

The Christmas Eve is special as gifts are exchanged and accepted with blessings and good wishes.

Gourmet juices service

The culmination of Christmas is the traditional dinner with family and friends. Turkey the traditional food is the centre of attraction on the dining table. Then, there is vegetable dish, special cakes, puddings. Simple enjoyment is added by inserting coin inside the pudding at the time of steaming. The person who gets it will enjoy a pleasant coming year.

The prayer time

Church gets geared for midnight services for prayers and choirs. Scene of the birth of Christ is on display in most places. The Catholic community among the Christians attends midnight mass on the Christmas Eve. However, some sections of the Christian community attend church service all through the day of 25^th December. Churches create facility for meeting and greeting after the prayers in their compound. With modern day facilities the events in the most pious church are shown on television for the benefit of all.

Markets are flooded with new stocks and they do brisk business past midnight. All types of creativities are shown in attracting customers for unique and stylish shopping. Gift guides, recipe booklets, stylish clothing, latest electronic items, etc. are on display.

Celebrations away from home

It is not unusual for travel addicts to celebrate the occasion at some holiday destination such as mountains, parks, camps, or with relatives. Pot Luck meals are also a way to be together without bothering the host too much. Office crowd celebrate the event in advance through parties and get together in eating good food, exchanging gifts and good wishes.

Christmas gets translated to Cristes Maesse meaning mass of Christ. There is controversy about the date of birth of Christ. Thus, Christian community celebrates it on 25^th December or 7^th January. The northern hemisphere has longer days from 25^th December onwards and probably this date is fixed as it signifies true light to the world.

Rapid order service

In present days of swift communication through computers all requirements can be ordered for the celebration online and delivery received on doorsteps. All websites linked with Christmas celebrations are user-friendly and goods are just a click away.