Christmas celebrations in Pakistan are not as they show in the Western movies

As we all know, Christmas is upon us. We’ve talked about a more personal approach to celebrating Christmas. However, this year, we reached out to Pakistani Christians to ask them how they celebrate this joyous occasion. Now, this may not be how every Christian family celebrates the big day, but it’s great to hear about what goes on in the community.

Here we go.

Siblings, Carol and Brendan Noronha, share their rituals for celebrating Christmas in Pakistan, on the day

They talk about how their Christmas day in Pakistan consists of attending the important masses.

Since Brendan and his dad are both fond of cooking and baking, their house is also usually filled with some pretty great delicacies. Christmas, for them, is synonymous with joy and is a time to come together as a family unit. While Brendan is usually away from home pursuing a career as a chef in Turkey and Carol is busy filming, they always find their way back home during this auspicious occasion.

Next up, Media Science student, Sheena Dsouza, talks about what celebrations are like for her and her family.

“A few days before Christmas in Pakistan, we have a lot of events that build up to the day itself,” Sheena explains.

“We have bonfires, dinners, parties where members of the community get together to have a good time. It’s definitely a time for family bonding. It’s an absolute necessity to make specific treats. We make different kinds of toffees, fruitcakes and other delicacies. My family has always followed the tradition of attending the midnight mass which coincides with Christmas Eve itself. After we get done with the mass, our extended family comes over and my father makes his famous coffee. This mingling usually goes on till sunrise.”

Sheena also mentions how decorating the Christmas tree itself begins two weeks in advance, thereby putting everyone in the true spirit for the holiday.

“In the morning, we visit other relatives and exchange gifts. But it’s not about that. It’s about being grateful to have a family to celebrate with, and about being thankful for being able to celebrate at all, in the first place. Not a lot of people get that. Moreover, it’s about coming together as a community and as a family for such an important occasion.”

Kane Dsouza, another Media Science student, also talks about how his family celebrates Christmas in Pakistan.

“Before the occasion, we bake a lot of stuff,” Kane explains. 

“We have these particular treats that we make. Like Kalkal, for example. It’s a traditional Goan delicacy made around Christmas time. We also make many sweets. On the night itself, we go for mass and the family might get together later. The mornings are usually spent with my extended family. The children usually flock over to the Christmas tree, since they’re always waiting for gifts.”

“We used to visit my paternal grandmother, but she passed away. However, we visit our other grandmother now. The family collects there to spend time together. There’s a very special liver-based dish that she makes for all of us. Moreover, there’s always roast.”

For Kane, Christmas clearly seems to be all about food.

While it’s great to see that these families enjoy to the fullest during such a momentous occasion, it’s imperative for us to remember to be more accepting. 

Much like the rest of us, Carol, Brendan, Kane, Sheena and their entire community are a part of our country as well. While it’s easy to write off their celebrations, we must remember that it is our moral obligation to remain respectful to those who may not share the same faith as us.

It’s also important to keep in mind that not everyone can celebrate Christmas like they do.

There are countless families who can’t afford to celebrate this occasion. Let’s try to remember them this time of the year. With a little acceptance and empathy, we can go a long way. So let’s begin that journey in the last leg of 2017.

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Cover image via dawn.com