South Mumbai churches gear up for Christmas

There's a nip in the air, and hope is afloat. It's that time of the year when churches are decked up in Christmas lights.

"We have put the lights outside and will soon finish the decorations inside as well. Our Christmas celebration will begin with carol services on December 24," said Father B S Christdoss, priest of the Afghan Church in Colaba. Afghan Church is a war memorial church dedicated to the people who participated in Afghan War in the 1800s.

At the Holy Name Cathedral where the Archbishop of Bombay leads the mass service, the decorations will be set up start closer to Christmas. "The church youth have already started the preparations for cribs, lanterns, and stars," said Fr. Nigel Barrett, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Bombay.

He added, "On the night of December 24, we begin the celebrations by singing carols. The vigil mass starts from 10 pm. On December 25, the mass is like the usual Sunday mass. The mass begins at 6.30 am and is held in English and Konkani. We go to homes of people, who cannot come to the church, to celebrate Christmas."

Celebrations, however, do not end with just prayers and service. "We also serve cake after the prayer service along with tea," said Christdoss.