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LIFESTYLE
DNA finds out that Christian families are busy round-the-clock in a bid to meet the deadline for new clothes, sweets-and the quintessential plum cake
‘Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!’ Christmas is close by, and the festive spirit is in the air. With only a few days left for the 'feast of joy', Christian families of the city are gearing up for the big day on which they will welcome into their home Jesus Christ, whose birth day is commemorated on Dec 25.
Houses are being cleaned and decorated, shopping is on in full swing, X’mas trees are being decked up and the plum cake — that quintessential Xmas sweet — is either in the process of being made at home or orders are being placed for it.
Other traditional sweets are being prepared, new clothes are being bought and plans for celebrations are being finalised.
Various programmes have been organized in churches all over the city. The assistant parish priest of St Ignatius of Loyola Church, Father KC Thomas, said: "The programmes began in the church from December 20 when we had Confessions Day. Apart from this, on Dec 24 midnight, we will first have carol singing in the church followed by Christmas Mass." Carols are songs of joy that herald the birth of Christ. During Xmas week, there will be different cultural programmes for both young and old at the city's parishes.
Depending upon their taste, people of all communities are waiting to dig into their favourite cake -- sponge cake, brown cake, fruit cake, carrot cake and many other varieties, which bakeries all across the city are preparing.
Thomas Edward, a resident of Memnagar said, "My family is working hard to make it a memorable Xmas. In spite of our busy work schedules, we don't miss an opportunity to prepare special items like kalkal, date roll, and other traditional sweets. We will decorate our Christmas tree and our house on Dec 23."
Several new decorative items have entered the market. Hanuk Henry, of Ghatlodia said, "Earlier, only paper materials were available. This year attractive stuff has come to the shops. I have seen shiny materials for decoration for the first time in the city's markets."