A rather large Santa Claus on Puri beach on the Bay of Bengal, India.
As the Christmas season nears, I find myself reminiscing about the Christmas celebrations of my childhood. In India, a country known for its diversity, the festivities varied by region.
However, Christmas was a time when people came together, regardless of their backgrounds, to celebrate. Public spaces like malls were adorned with Christmas-themed decorations, including grand Christmas trees and cheerful Santa Clauses. Children wore Santa hats and eagerly anticipated their gifts.
As with Sweden, the main celebrations in India began on Christmas Eve, marked by the ringing of church bells and midnight prayers. Families and friends gathered at beautifully decorated churches, illuminated with lights and showcasing nativity scenes.
Choirs and Christmas carols added to the vibrant atmosphere of the night. I have fond memories of enjoying plum cakes, a typical Christmas treat in India, at my friend’s home.
In Sweden, where Christmas is a much bigger festival, the celebrations are grander and last longer. Last year, I experienced my first Christmas in Skellefteå. The city, blanketed with snow, buzzed with preparations for the festive season.
The city centre came alive with lights and decorations, and many homes displayed star-shaped lights and electric candles in their windows.
Lucia is a lovely Swedish Christmas tradition.
Weekly events added to the festive spirit, but the Christmas market was the most memorable. The market featured stalls selling delicious treats and handmade goods, while children played in the snow.
The most memorable tradition I witnessed was a group of boys and girls, with one wearing a crown of candlelights. Locals explained this was traditional attire for Lucia Day, celebrated on December 13 each year.
As the month progressed, public celebrations quieted, giving way to private family gatherings. Shops and offices closed, and the streets grew quieter as people retreated indoors to celebrate with loved ones.
Though the traditions of my homeland differ from those in Skellefteå, the sense of togetherness and gratitude remains universal. Christmas is about cherishing time with family, reflecting on the year gone by, looking forward to the one ahead.
Now that we’re in December, I’m excited to again immerse myself in the celebrations!
This is a column and the views are the author's own. This column was originally published at norran.se/English, the English part of norran.se.