Christmas rings in joy, smiles & good cheer in Ahmedabad

The spirit of Christmas means different things to different people. To famed cartoon character Uncle Scrooge, it 'dawned' in the form of Christmas 'ghosts'. To some, it is all about gastronomical gratification, while others see it as the right time for acts of kindness and spreading of joy.

Whatever be the underlying logic, Christmas celebrations in the city were every bit in keeping with the spirit of the festival. Midnight mass was organised at various churches in the city.

"Some 400 to 500 people attended the midnight mass. Carols rented the air, while Christmas trees were decorated with confetti and lights. One could actually feel the prayers and good cheer in the air. On our part, we returned home after the mass, and danced the night away," said city-based Mary Fernandes, describing her Christmas celebrations.

DNA spoke to some residents about their celebrations of the festival. Father Cedric Prakash, director of Prashant, the Ahmedabad-based Jesuit Centre for Human Rights, Justice and Peace, said that he had a rather quiet and private Christmas.

"I offered my prayers, and then visited the Mother Teresa orphanage to wish everyone. I also visited my sisters and close friends. But what really gladdened me was that several people stopped to take a look at the nativity decorations put up outside our office. That soothed my soul," he said.

Fr Vincent Braganza, principal of St Xavier's College, said that he had a very spiritual Christmas this time.

"I got the rather unique opportunity to offer my services at the cantonment, at an army base. It was really meaningful, and a different experience from the usual. At the end of the day, Christmas is about these little acts of kindness, that make you feel good within," he said.