Christmas traditions of Pakistan

Christmas, celebrated annually on December 25, is among the most beloved and widely observed holidays worldwide. Rooted in Christian tradition, it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ while embracing cultural customs that have evolved over centuries. These customs vary across regions, but many share common themes of family, faith and festivity. It is no different for the 1.3% (3.1 million) Christians of Pakistan’s 241.49 million population (Census: 2023). Christians have lived here for over two centuries! Yes, that’s right.

To better understand the traditions of Christmas, as it may be celebrated in Pakistan or anywhere in the world, is to know its spiritual and temporal significance.

The Season of Advent

The spiritual significance is the preparation for Jesus’ birth. The season begins with the four Sundays before Christmas, each week of Advent represents the Christian virtues of hope, peace, joy and love. These four weeks are a time for spiritual reflection, prayer and anticipation of Jesus’ arrival. Traditionally, during the four weeks of Advent leading to Christmas, Christians indulge in charitable acts and as Christmas Day approaches, they come together as a family for bonding and sharing. Christian homes, neighbourhoods and places of worship in Pakistan are beautifully decorated with Christmas stars, trees, wreaths and twinkling lights. Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Christ, are a common feature. Families come together to prepare traditional sweets and festive meals, exchange gifts and share the warmth of the season.

As the festivities lead to Christmas Day, the sounds of Christmas carols echo in homes, neighbourhoods, and churches where carolers representing several parishes (localities within the precincts of a church) come together serenading some of the most popular carols throughout the evening. In neighbourhoods, groups of singers go house to house spreading holiday cheer, which is a time-honoured tradition brings people together through song. Children, too, are not forgotten, as they look forward to the Christmas Tree Party, where Santa Claus hands out gifts, creating cherished memories for the little ones.

Preparation of Sweets

The preparation of homemade Christmas goodies stands out as one of the most enduring customs. Families, extended relatives, and even neighbours gather to partake in the joyous tradition of preparation and sharing. Family kitchens are transformed into hubs of energetic activity, filled with the enticing aromas of baking and the lively chatter of loved ones. The results are a delightful assortment of Christmas treats, prepared with precious family recipes and shared with family, friends and neighbours. The highlight of these goodies remains the iconic fruit/plum cake and the baath cake, the latter of which is made with coconut and semolina. These cakes are among the most sought-after items during the Christmas season. Although local bakeries make and sell an assortment of ‘Christmas cakes,’ one can only taste cakes of ‘real tradition’ in Christian homes.

The making of Christmas sweets is more than just a culinary activity; it is a celebration of culture and intergenerational bonding. Recipes are passed down through generations, ensuring that the flavours of the past remain alive in the present. Grandmothers, mothers, children and even grandchildren come together, creating not just sweets but cherished memories. This practice of collective effort underscores the essence of Christian culture – a blend of familial warmth, community spirit, and a love for tradition.

Traditional Christmas homemade goodies include Christmas pudding, gingerbread, fruit or plum cake, chocolate fudge, baath cake, neureo (pockets of fried pastry filled with grated coconut and dried fruit), kulkul (deep-fried dough snacks shaped like shells), vodde (deep-fried puris), bebinca (sticky multilayered cake), chakleo (savoury spiral-shaped snack), jujup (jujubes), marzipan and coconut and milk toffee.

Most of these are Christmas delicacies found in Christian homes, especially those with origins in Goa. So, if one wishes to indulge in a true taste of homemade Christmas goodies, reach out to your Christian friends; they would be more than happy to send you a bag of assorted goodies! And if you want to order some goodies, some folks take pre-orders at reasonable prices, without compromising the original taste.

The Eve, Christmas Day, and the Week After

Amidst the excitement of the activities leading to Christmas Day, the religious significance of the season remains central. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is the cornerstone of the celebrations, drawing families together in a spirit of devotion and gratitude. Churches are packed to capacity, and special arrangements by the local administration are made for the safety and security of the worshippers. On Christmas Day, the focus shifts to family visits as well as special lunches and dinners, including traditional dishes like roasted chicken, beef or turkey, lamb or fish, with sides of mashed potatoes, vegetables and various sauces with Christmas pudding and apple pie as desserts.

Goan Christians in Pakistan include the omnipresent sorpotel (a savoury and spicy meat stew), sannas (spongy, steamed rice dumplings) and a variety of local favourites. Festivities continue well beyond Christmas Day. The days leading up to the new year are filled with lively events like Christmas balls and New Year’s Eve parties. The Christmas season traditionally ends on January 6, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany (commemorating the visit of the three wise men to see baby Jesus), marking the end of the 12 days of Christmas, which begin on December 26.

The Central Theme

The central theme of Christmas in Pakistan throughout the holiday season remains generosity and goodwill. Many take this time to extend a helping hand to those in need through donations, volunteering and acts of kindness. Children are encouraged from an early age to participate in these activities, instilling in them the value of empathy and compassion. This spirit of giving beautifully reinforces the holiday’s enduring message of love and humanity. Traditional Christmas traditions, handed down to generations, encapsulate the essence of togetherness, hope and joy. They remind us to remember the less privileged, cherish our loved ones, nurture our faith and spread kindness – all of which are values that transcend cultural boundaries and make Christmas truly universal in its meaning and appeal.