As the chills of winter set in, the spirit of Christmas envelops us in warmth and joy, writes ABHI SINGHAL
When a cold breeze begins to blow, the lights around you feel like home, and the wind feels cosy, the spirit of Christmas starts to weave its magic. It’s a time when families gather around crackling fires, the scent of freshly baked cookies fills the air, and the sound of carollers stirs nostalgia.
Though rooted as a Christian festival, Christmas is celebrated with immense joy by people of all faiths. This occasion, observed annually on December 25, marks the birth of Jesus Christ, but it transcends religious boundaries, becoming a cultural celebration of devotion and joy. Through the years, Christmas has been known by various names in English. The Anglo-Saxons referred to it as "midwinter" or "Natiuiteð," derived from the Latin term nativitas, meaning "birth." "Nativity" shares this Latin root, signifying birth. In Old English, the word Geola or "Yule" referred to the period from December to January, later becoming synonymous with the Christian celebration of Christmas.
Preparation for this grand occasion begins with Advent, the First Sunday of which marks the start of spiritual anticipation and reflection. For Christians, Advent is a time of introspection, leading to Christ’s birth, which symbolises divine love and redemption. This culminates in the twelve days of Christmastide, a period rich with historical customs that concludes on Twelfth Night, adding layers of ritualistic meaning to the holiday. Over time, Christmas has evolved into a festival embodying universal values of generosity, community, and goodwill.
At the heart of Christmas are the carols of melodic songs that embody joy, nostalgia and spiritual reflection. The origins of carolling date back to medieval traditions, where songs were used to mark seasonal festivals. Over time, these melodies became synonymous with Christmas, expressing devotion and cheer. From sacred hymns like "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night" to lively tunes such as "Deck the Halls" and "Jingle Bells," carols range from reverent celebrations of Christ’s birth to jubilant expressions of festive cheer.
Christmas is also about the excitement of children, their eager anticipation and the magic of Santa Claus. Every Christmas Eve, children hang their stockings with wishes, hoping that Santa will fulfil them. Santa Claus, with his jolly face, white beard, and red suit, stands as a global symbol of Christmas magic. This beloved figure, transcending cultures, embodies joy and the spirit of giving. His story traces back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his acts of kindness and secret gift-giving. Over time, his legend evolved into the modern image of a merry, bearded man delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Santa’s presence in Christmas celebrations is symbolic of the spirit of giving, teaching children the joy of kindness and the magic of believing in something greater than themselves. Through tales, songs, and films, Santa Claus enriches the Christmas cultural tapestry, reminding us of the importance of spreading happiness. Christmas decorations are more than just festive embellishments, they are heartfelt expressions of love and joy. The traditional colours of Christmas, pine green, snow white, and vibrant red, symbolise life, purity and warmth. Metallic accents like gold and silver add elegance, reflecting the light and warmth of the season. Decorations often feature iconic imagery, such as Baby Jesus, Mother Mary, angels, Santa Claus, and the Star of Bethlehem, each symbolising the season's spiritual and cultural significance. When it comes to the Christmas table, one can’t forget the classic Christmas cake.Alongside this, candies, especially the iconic candy canes add sweetness to the season. Their peppermint flavour and cane shape make them a perfect decoration for trees or a treat for children. Many homes also offer platters of colourful, homemade candies, each bringing its festive joy to the celebrations.
As Christmas is near , I wish for joy, peace . love, laughter, warmth , cheers !
MIX, BAKE , CELEBRATE
At Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar, Delhi
The Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar recently hosted its annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, embracing the charming theme of an English Country Christmas. This delightful event transformed the hotel into a festive wonderland, inviting guests to partake in a time-honoured tradition that has brought people together for centuries.
The roots of cake mixing trace back to 17th-century Britain, where this delightful ceremony marked the end of the harvest season. Farmers would gather to soak fruits and nuts in spirits, preserving them for the rich Christmas cakes that would grace tables during the cold winter months. This joyful gathering symbolised gratitude and the spirit of community, a celebration of nature's bounty and the warmth of togetherness.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and laughter as guests rolled up their sleeves and joined in the festive fun. This year’s theme of an ‘English Countryside Christmas’ was beautifully reflected in the décor, featuring the traditional red, white and green colours that evoke feelings of warmth and festivity. The venue was adorned with charming elements reminiscent of the British countryside, where cosy cottages and snow-covered landscapes create a magical setting for the holiday season.
At Le Meridien, New Delhi
The cake-mixing ceremony serves as a festive kick-off, celebrating togetherness and the joy of giving. This tradition often includes the blending of dried fruits, such as raisins, cherries, apricots, and nuts, along with a blend of warming spices and a generous pour of spirits. Each year, Le Meridien New Delhi joins in this timeless tradition, creating a unique and memorable experience for guests and locals alike. This year, the hotel launched its ‘#WinterOfJoy’ celebration with a magical cake-mixing ceremony at their elegant venue, Longitude.
The event drew food enthusiasts, media, and hotel guests together, where they witnessed the rhythmic blending of exotic fruits, spices, and luxurious ingredients, building anticipation for the holiday treats that await. Meena Bhatia, Vice President and General Manager of Le Meridien New Delhi, remarked on the occasion, "We are thrilled to embark on our ‘#WinterOfJoy’ celebration with this heart-warming timeless tradition. We invite everyone to join us in experiencing a symphony of flavours, sights, and sounds as we embark on a festive journey."
Beautiful Aesthetics of the Glow
At Le Meridien, New Delhi
Le Meridien New Delhi embraced the festive spirit with its #WinterOfJoy Christmas Tree Unveiling Ceremony, a grand celebration of tradition and sustainability. The event brought together an atmosphere of joy and creativity, featuring melodious Christmas carols that added to the holiday cheer.
The centrepiece of the occasion was a mesmerising Christmas tree crafted from 5,000 vibrant paper fans. This tree symbolised the magic of cherished moments and the nostalgia of childhood celebrations. Created by 70 talented Indian artisans, this unique installation highlighted the fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern sustainability.
Le Meridien announced a series of complimentary workshops every weekend until Christmas Eve to spread the festive joy further. Guests can immerse themselves in origami, learn to bake festive treats with the hotel's pastry team, and enjoy storytelling sessions that bring Christmas tales to life.
The celebration encapsulated the essence of togetherness, creativity, and sustainable practices. With this spectacular beginning to #WinterOfJoy, Le Meridien New Delhi invited everyone to revel in the warmth and magic of the holiday season, creating memories to treasure for years to come.
At Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, Delhi
Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar recently showcased Charkha: The Loom Tree, a breathtaking 10-foot Christmas installation made entirely of Khadi, crafted in partnership with Vikara, a Khadi India initiative. This innovative display celebrated the essence of sustainability, self-reliance, and empowerment. Created by women artisans trained in traditional weaving, the tree featured natural dyes and zero-waste decorations made from upcycled fabrics and pearls.
The installation paid homage to Gandhian principles and the Swadeshi Movement, blending artistry with ecological responsibility. Through its vibrant colours and handcrafted ornaments, Charkha: The Loom Tree served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of conscious actions and a greener future.
