Learn all About these Lesser Known Christmas Traditions in India!

Christmas is here, and you have the zeal to celebrate this festival of joy? For the ones who have already planned their Christmas celebration and for the ones who are still confused, sit back and relax because we’ve got some lesser-known Christmas traditions that will make your Xmas insightful one too. Christmas is not just about wearing red clothes and decorating Xmas trees. There are a few Christmas traditions in India that you might not be aware of and want to practice this year along with your friends and family. Here are some of the Christmas traditions in India that you might want to add to your list.

1. Fasting 

Fasting holds significant importance in various Christian communities in India, especially in the southwestern state of Kerala. For many traditional Catholics, the Christmas season begins with a fast on December 1st and continues until the midnight service on Christmas Eve. During this month-long fasting 40-day period, individuals avoid food as a form of devotion and spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. This tradition highlights a deep commitment to faith and community.

2. Traditional Christmas Sweets

While the classic Christmas cake and cookies are loved all over India, certain regions have their own special Christmas sweets. Kulkuls and Nevriyo are small, crispy, sweet fried treats popular in Goa. These are often made in Catholic households and served to guests during Christmas celebrations. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Rose Cookies (locally called Achappam) are delicately shaped like flowers and fried to crispy perfection, adding a local flavour to the festive spread. These treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring people together through the shared joy of festive cooking.

3. Christmas Cribs

In India, one of the most charming traditions is the creation of Christmas cribs, which depict the birth of Jesus Christ. Made with clay, ceramic, or sand, these cribs often feature intricate scenes of the nativity and are set up both in homes and churches. Goa, in particular, is known for its beautifully detailed cribs, often called "manger scenes", that serve as a reminder of the humble beginnings of the Savior. It’s a tradition that brings families together and offers a sense of reflection on the true meaning of Christmas.

4. Star-Making

In regions like Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu, one of the most anticipated Christmas traditions is the making of star-shaped lanterns. These stars symbolise the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. In some communities, star-making competitions are held to see who can craft the most creative and dazzling lantern. These stars are then displayed on homes and streets, brightening up the festive atmosphere with their colorful lights and intricate designs.

5. Community Feasts and Open Houses

In states like Nagaland and Mizoram, the spirit of Christmas extends beyond the immediate family to the entire community. On Christmas Day, it is common for families to host open houses where neighbours and community members are invited to join in a celebratory meal. The feast often includes local specialities such as smoked meats, pork curries, and bamboo shoots, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the region. This tradition fosters a sense of unity and collective joy, making Christmas an inclusive and communal celebration.

6. Carol Singing

What is a Christmas celebration without Christmas Carols? We all cherish humming the religious song to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. People in various parts of India indulge themselves in singing carols with their friends, family, and neighbours. The Christian people of the Bhil folk in North India go out on the streets every week during Christmas and sing carols the whole night. The more the hymns, the merrier the night.

7. Unique Christmas Decorations

In Mizoram, a state known for its weaving heritage, Christmas decorations often feature traditional handwoven shawls and fabrics beautifully arranged alongside festive lights. This not only celebrates the local craftsmanship but also adds a personal touch to the Christmas decorations, blending cultural pride with the holiday spirit. In many households, the emphasis on handwoven textiles during Christmas signifies warmth, tradition, and a connection to one’s roots.

8. Midnight Mass 

One of the most religious ways to celebrate Christmas is by offering a midnight mass. Catholics, along with their family, walk to churches to celebrate the holy communion. People worship in masses and offer each other presents, followed by a massive feast where they serve different dishes.

9. Lanterns and Lights

In Southern India, particularly among the Christian communities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, small burning clay lamps are placed on the floors of homes to symbolise Jesus as the "light of the world." These lamps are often part of the Christmas Eve celebrations and are lit to bring peace and hope into the homes. In Goa, star-shaped lanterns hang on the streets, lighting up the town with their colourful glow, making Christmas evenings feel magical. The use of lamps and lanterns represents hope and joy, illuminating the way for new beginnings.

10. Kissing under a Mistletoe 

Yes, the mistletoe tradition has made its way to India, and it’s more adorable than you’d think. In many Indian homes, mistletoe is hung in doorways as a symbol of prosperity and love. During Christmas, couples steal kisses under the mistletoe, a practice believed to bring love and good fortune. The plant symbolises fertility and connection, and It’s a beautiful tradition that adds a touch of romance to the festive season.