Legend has it that Christmas was originally celebrated by Romans as a Pagan festival, dedicated to the Sun God, and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. It was much later that December 25th came to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ (in fact only around 345 AD). One may safely say that despite the fact that Christmas is widely regarded as a Christian festival; the basic spirit it imbibes is that of family traditions, celebrations, greetings and gifts. After three hundred years of colonization, Christianity and English are an inseparable part of the Indian culture. Besides, Indians are a people who just need a reason to celebrate and Christmas seems to be as good a reason as any other. So a large number of Indians decorate their homes with the glowing star and little Christmas trees…even if the climate disagrees with the white Christmas concept. Trees are celebrated with tinsel stars, cotton snow flakes, lights, candy and cakes. Carols singing and sending cards are a must for every educated Indian, in fact, cards are not sent for Indian festivals as much as for Christmas and New Year (a Roman concept).
Parties and dancing is an integral part of the festivities, and all Indians, at least all urban Indians participate in them wholeheartedly. Classy hotels, smaller clubs and restaurants, groups of friends, schools, colleges and almost all social organizations have parties, eat, drink, dance and celebrate. There is no dearth of good spirit even if it is not just a good Christian spirit!!! Gifts are exchanged, according to the depth of the pockets and Santa Claus brings gifts to a lot of good Indian children, just as he does around the Christian world!!
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