“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”
– Norman Vincent Peale
December is here already… The month that brings in the festive fervour, the one that spreads warmth and happiness, the one that makes you take a stock of the year gone by and the one that creates a hope in you to paint the new canvas with fresh and vibrant colours.
And also because, HO…HO…HO it’s Merry Christmas.
Celebrated across the world as the birthday of Jesus Christ, Christmas is best termed as the ‘Holiday season’ when families travel miles to be with each other. It is that time of year where we want to be surrounded by our near and dear ones and be taken over by childhood festive nostalgia. Though it is a Christian festival, in India, Christmas celebration has entered many a urban household regardless of the religion.
Christmas is synonymous with Santa clause, Christmas songs, plum cakes and gifts besides the decorative pine trees, mistletoe, bells, candles, candy canes, garland, stockings, wreaths, snow globes, tinsel and reindeers and the angels. The sound of Christmas carols and ubiquitous ‘Jingle Bell’ song stream from the record player while the fairy lights and Star adorn the home decor.The traditional colours of Christmas decor are pine green, snow white, and heart red. Blue and white are often used to represent winter.
The modern day Christmas tree decoration was believed to be started in Germany in the 16th century. The tree was ornamented with shining balls, snowman, little bells, joysticks and candies. By the 1890s Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and Christmas tree popularity was on the rise around the U.S. It was noted that Europeans used small trees about four feet in height, while Americans liked their Christmas trees to reach from floor to ceiling. The early 20th century saw Americans decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments, while the German-American sect continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies.
So are you ready with your Christmas tree decorations? Are you ready to host a Christmas Party?
Here is your ready-reckoner for the Christmas party preparations.
1) Decor
Buy a Christmas tree to begin with, about 3 feet in height. Fairy lights, wreath, shiny balls, gifts and mistletoe can be added to decorate the tree. Snow man and a star on the top of the tree will complete your decoration of Christmas tree.
For the ones who look for unusual kind of Christmas trees, you could opt for stacking books in shape of Christmas tree and then add some lights to perk up the decor. One may opt for wood log on the wall in Christmas shape and adorn it with colourful lights.
Besides the Christmas tree, one stand alone Christmas Star in the balcony is a must.
Moving on to the room decor, the only thing one may consider is keeping the decor in the shades of green, red, white, gold and silver. Try using decorative lights, crystals in different colours, stars and disco balls.
2) Table Setting
Table Setting is an important element in Christmas Decor. If it is an afternoon party, one can opt for table runners in red/green/white theme to team with the decor. A good center piece with cake stand can be added to the decor. Floral bouquets can also be opted for, especially white flowers with a hint of reds in it.
If it is an evening party, one may make use of fairy lights in yellow tones. Mistletoe can be used as stray element for decoration on table. Select the crockery to go with the theme of the decor, be it luxurious china-ware or colourful glass ones.
3) Christmas Brunch | Dinner
Rum infused Plum cake with raisins is what we all wait for, don’t we? Plumcake has been the focal point of most Christmas celebrations besides other sweet and savouries.
The traditional Christmas dinner would have turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables such as carrots, turnip, parsnips, etc. With innovative ideas, people have started adding sauted veggies and fruit platter along with innumerable dips as a healthy starter option.
In India, traditionally Christians prefer Stews of different kinds with chicken, mutton and fish along with delicacies like Pork Vindaloo and Prawn curry. In Goa, one may find bebinca , a sweet dish, very freely available during the Christmas. So if you are opting for an authentic Christmas party, you may opt for these delicacies. For dessert, pumpkin or apple pie, raisin pudding, Christmas pudding and fruitcake are the staple.
Hot Mulled wine is considered to be a staple at most of Christmas parties globally. You can make at home as well if you are the one who would like surprising their guests. However, fruit punch serves as a universal beverage when serving teetotallers.
4) Entertainment
If you haven’t heard ‘Jingle Bells’ and Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas is you’, then your party hasn’t started as yet!
There is something about the old music and family get togethers that take you on a happy nostalgic trip. Select your music playlist in advance to set the tone of the party, please don’t forget ‘Last Christmas I gave you my heart’, ‘Santa Baby’, ‘Rudolph the Red nosed’:)
Bonfires and barbeques are an extra delight in this season of happiness.
So are you spreading some joy this Christmas?
