I love Christmas: Genelia D'Souza

Deck the halls, bring on those boughs of holly, warm yule logs, twinkling trees and hot chocolate and cake — for it’s Christmas today! And Mumbai's celeb-folk are welcoming the red-letter day in a celebratory mood. “I just love Christmas,” grins actor Genelia D’Souza. “It's the best part of the year, the festive spirit abounds and the whole community comes together beautifully!”

Prayers and tradition
More than the frivolity, the prayers make up X’mas. “Just got back after mass around four this morning was so lovely! I said special prayer as there’s so much to be thankful for,” adds Genelia. Actor Malaika Arora  Khan seconds that. “We went for the midnight mass yesterday and it was Azaan’s (sister Amrita Arora’s son) first X’mas so it was extra-special,” she says. The spirituality apart, exchanging gifts is part of the excitement. She informs, “Arbaaz and I have got Arhaan (their son) a yorkie ‘teacup’ pup as a present.” And did she want something special in her stocking? “Well, I’ve got loads of blessings as we have had a wonderful year, so I can't ask for more,” she smiles.

Food and frolic
The aroma of rich Christmas cake and pudding, baked turkey and hot chocolate on the stove is compelling. At TV anchor Maria Goretti’s home the preparations for today’s big family lunch started a few days ago. “The menu's vast — I’ve made chicken roast, pavlova, mutton moilee, liver pate, fondue and strawberry starts for the kids and more. There’s something magical about Christmas so it’s fun doing it all,” she laughs.

While Mumbai gal and actress Freida Pinto will miss the goodies as she’s spending her Christmas shooting for her film in Tunisia, actor Bruna Abdullah who’s in Mumbai and away from her hometown Brazil will miss her favourite food. “My dad makes a superb turkey but I’ll have some here,” she says.

Malaika can’t wait for this afternoon’s feast at her mother's house. “It’s tradition, we’ll have a melange from a good roast to South Indian (she is half-Malyali) with fish and appams and more. It’s indulgence alright, but what’s Christmas without it?” she says.