Each community has its own way of celebrating Christmas. For the innumerable expats living in the City, the traditions from their homeland are often brought back to life in India, in whatever way possible.
Metrolife speaks to some expats to find out how they plan to celebrate Christmas this year.
"I would be celebrating a typical Swedish Christmas with some close friends in Bangalore — complete with Christmas gifts, traditional decor, the Christmas tree, Swedish Christmas food, lots of candles and of course, carols! Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and I try to bring to India some of my own traditions that I have grown up with," shares Jonas Olsson, a department manager at Volvo IT.
Over the years, he has even figured out how to overcome some loopholes like importing necessary items from home. "The food is the trickiest part — but since October, there has been a small but constant inflow of various items, brought by kind colleagues coming for business trips. So, I am hopeful that it will be a God Jul (Merry Christmas) this year as well!" he smiles.
German expat Kathja Rieck is quite excited as well. "The first thing we do is buy decorations. On the first advent Sunday, we have our Advent wreath ready and light up the first candle. Every week, we add a new light until the whole wreath is lit up and that means that it's Christmas time!" she grins.
"My husband has to work on Christmas day, but usually, this is the first and most intimate family day. We cook a wonderful meal, decorate the tree, light candles and listen to Christmas music. After the meal, everyone opens the gifts that are kept under the tree. Two days after that, we visit loved ones to give presents and just spread happiness and love," adds Kathja.
For Glynns Thomas, a Californian by origin, this will be her family's first Christmas in India. After celebrating a not-so-perfect Thanksgiving at a restaurant instead of home, she is determined to make Christmas memorable.
"We are hosting lunch for ourselves and a couple of other families, with kids, on Christmas Day! We hope it feels a bit more like a traditional meal, although with good friends, instead of family," says the American, adding that the lunch will be potluck style, for which she'll be roasting a turkey and will make baked apple and pumpkin pies.
"I have been decorating the house with Christmas decorations that we brought from the US. We have our tree up and it's all lit with coloured lights. Decorating in advance helps build the excitement up to the big day and my children love it," notes Glynns.
"Tradition has never felt so important as when you are far away from home and family. But we feel very fortunate and excited to have the opportunity to experience it in India," she concludes.
Metrolife speaks to some expats to find out how they plan to celebrate Christmas this year.
"I would be celebrating a typical Swedish Christmas with some close friends in Bangalore — complete with Christmas gifts, traditional decor, the Christmas tree, Swedish Christmas food, lots of candles and of course, carols! Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and I try to bring to India some of my own traditions that I have grown up with," shares Jonas Olsson, a department manager at Volvo IT.
Over the years, he has even figured out how to overcome some loopholes like importing necessary items from home. "The food is the trickiest part — but since October, there has been a small but constant inflow of various items, brought by kind colleagues coming for business trips. So, I am hopeful that it will be a God Jul (Merry Christmas) this year as well!" he smiles.
German expat Kathja Rieck is quite excited as well. "The first thing we do is buy decorations. On the first advent Sunday, we have our Advent wreath ready and light up the first candle. Every week, we add a new light until the whole wreath is lit up and that means that it's Christmas time!" she grins.
"My husband has to work on Christmas day, but usually, this is the first and most intimate family day. We cook a wonderful meal, decorate the tree, light candles and listen to Christmas music. After the meal, everyone opens the gifts that are kept under the tree. Two days after that, we visit loved ones to give presents and just spread happiness and love," adds Kathja.
For Glynns Thomas, a Californian by origin, this will be her family's first Christmas in India. After celebrating a not-so-perfect Thanksgiving at a restaurant instead of home, she is determined to make Christmas memorable.
"We are hosting lunch for ourselves and a couple of other families, with kids, on Christmas Day! We hope it feels a bit more like a traditional meal, although with good friends, instead of family," says the American, adding that the lunch will be potluck style, for which she'll be roasting a turkey and will make baked apple and pumpkin pies.
"I have been decorating the house with Christmas decorations that we brought from the US. We have our tree up and it's all lit with coloured lights. Decorating in advance helps build the excitement up to the big day and my children love it," notes Glynns.
"Tradition has never felt so important as when you are far away from home and family. But we feel very fortunate and excited to have the opportunity to experience it in India," she concludes.