The birthday of Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated as Christmas and it falls on December 25 th every year. The history of Christianity says that about two thousand years ago there lived a young woman called Mary who was engaged to get married to Joseph, a carpenter. One day, an angel appeared before her and said that she would be blessed with a child who would be God’s son and he would be Jesus.

Mary and Joseph got married and soon she was due to deliver a baby. At that juncture, the couple was in a situation to take up a long journey to Bethlehem, as they needed to pay special tax. When they reached the place, Mary was tired out and they needed a place to stay .When they could not find one, a kind inn- keeper allowed them to stay in his stable. A few hours later, she gave birth to her son in that stable and the baby was wrapped with strips of cloth, placed in a manger of hay.

On the other hand, shepherds on the hillside could also find an angel telling them the same news that Jesus would be the ruler, so the shepherds rushed to see the baby. Far away in the east, three wise men (Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar) also found a new star and studied that a great ruler has born in this world hence they set off to visit and offered gifts to the child. This news was an upset to King Herod as he feared that the child might take the throne way from him in the future. So, he attempted to kill the baby but it was not fruitful.

In Christian households, preparations of Christmas begin at least a month in advance. People renovate and white wash their houses to give a fresh, festive look. Christmas tree is erected with beautiful decorations on it. Ladies start their special preparations for the most awaited Christmas cake and other recipes. Shopping activities bustle all over the town to purchase new clothes and gifts for friends and relatives. On the eve of Christmas, people go to Churches, sing carols and participate in the special masses organized. The style of celebrations varies with the traditions followed in different regions of India.

In northwest India, the tribal Christians (Bhil tribe) go out at nights a week ahead, sing carols conveying Christmas stories to all. In the south, Christians light clay lamps in the roof tops and walls of the houses .Christians in the plains decorate mango or banana trees to mark the occasion and sometimes they also decorate their houses with mango leaves. Another Christmas tradition in India is that churches are decorated with poinsettia flower and candles. In the urban regions, we can find artificial potted trees embellished with beads and chains around it. We can also see Santa in some streets and shops entertaining the kids and other customers with chocolates and other goodies. Markets take a festive look beautified with stars, Santa images and balloons. Festival is celebrated with a great pomp in all the metropolitan cities of India. Tradition of depicting the nativity scenes and celebrations prevails in Mumbai which has one of the largest Roman Catholic communities in India and in Hindi this day is called Baḍā Din (Big day). Schools run by Christian missionaries also celebrate Christmas by organizing native plays depicting Christ’s birth.

Most colourful celebrations can be seen in the state of Goa. Both the domestic and international tourists flock to the beaches to watch Goa at its cultural best. Goa music and dance shall entertain one on the occasion. People participate in the midnight mass called Missa de Galo or cock crow as it continues till the early hours of the morning. The carnival is the most important event at Goa. On the whole, this day brings family, friends and relatives together with joy and happiness.