Head to the hills and enjoy a White Christmas on December 25, right here in India

Head to the hills and enjoy a White Christmas on Dec 25, right here in India.

Today, the festival of Christmas, celebrated across the globe has come to signify ‘the season to be jolly’. That’s on account of all the many rituals that have sprung up around the main event. There’s Santa, for one thing, giver of gifts, bedecked Christmas trees, parties, dances and, of course, piles of great food and lots of drinking as well. To those of Christian faith it has a far deeper significance. Even as they enjoy the season with gifts and goodies, they celebrate also the birth of Jesus Christ, a messenger of love and peace. Many of the rituals that are now part of Christmas festivities go back even further in time. In certain parts of Europe it once marked the winter solstice. It was a time when they slaughtered animals, ate fresh meat and when the beer and wine they made during the year was ready for drinking. At this time of year, the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday dedicated to Saturn. So the joyous occasion that Christmas is today derives its many charming aspects from many times and cultures. Carol-singing, plum pudding, kissing under wreaths of mistletoe... how much better can it get!

New Age Christmas

Does the idea of a white Christmas excite you? I’m dreaming of a White Christmas goes the old song. Why not take a winter break in a snow-clad destination? Test your skiing skills in Narkanda or Kufri in Himachal Pradesh. Munsiyari in Uttarakhand is less known, but makes for a great winter break.

Love rich, boozy fruit cakes and mince pies? Take a lesson in baking Christmas goodies and treat yourself to some delish goodies. While you’re at it, you could learn to whip up Christmassy drinks like mulled wine and eggnog.

Play the perfect secret Santa. Whether it’s office or college, be a thoughtful buyer and giver of gifts. Let your friends know how much you care. It’s the season for giving and good cheer, remember?

Heel your sole!

Bring out your best winter wear this time of the year as you hit the party circuit. Must-haves in the trendy girl’s wardrobe include ponchos, cropped jackets – for those not-so-cold days – and don’t forget a truly sexy pair of boots. Make them knee-high.

Maa ka khaana at Chopras

Anjum Chopra former captain of the Indian women’s cricket team with parents, Poonam and Krishan Bal Chopra, brother, Nirvan, and sister-in-law, Nidhi Chopra. (On Anjum: Lalit Laungani kurti with salwar and dupatta, jewellery by Hazoorilal Jewellers and sandals from Clarks. On Poonam: sari with work done by Pallavi, a designer in Japiur, jewellery by Hazoorilal Jewellers and sandals from Inc 5. On Krishan Bal Chopra: Canali suit, Zodiac shirt and shoes from Woods. On Nidhi Chopra: salwar suit from Reeth by Sumita Juneja, jewellery by Nathumal Jewellers, and sandals from Ronnie Grey. On Nirvan Chopra: Calvin Klein shirt, Study by Janak trousers and shoes from Louis Philippe.) (Reuben Singh)

Only in our family

“Every year, during the festivals of rakhi and bhai dooj, we host as many as 50 to 60 family members at our home,” says Poonam. “And on both occasions, everyone looks forward to feasting on biryani and kheer cooked by me,” she adds.

And this year...

The Chopra family is planning to go to Goa soon after Diwali.

—Veenu Singh

From HT Brunch, October 8, 2016

Follow us on twitter.com/HTBrunch

Connect with us on facebook.com/hindustantimesbrunch