City gears up to celebrate Christmas

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 24

There may be no snow and no elves to be witnessed in the city, but keeping one’s faith and religious conviction aside, the residents are all set to celebrate the most sought after Christmas festival on Thursday. All the 12 churches in the district are fully decorated, nativity models have been prepared, prayer halls are decorated to receive the devotees for the midnight mass and the children are all set to receive their much awaited gifts from Santa Claus.

Hordes of people could be seen flocking the markets to see and shop in the decked up markets. “The decorations are so nice, so we came to take pictures,” Simarpreet Kaur, a student said adding that this year they’re even prettier, especially at night, when they turn on the lights.

Another student Kuljeet Sngh said, “It’s not a time to have dinner at home with family and show thanks for one another. “Instead, it’s a time to go out on the town, shop, and take pictures with friends in front of colorful displays, especially on the Christmas night.”

Although many events were held on Wednesday only, the day of the festival has been kept reserved for a visit to the well decorated church by most residents.

Also, the retail market for seasonal decorations in the city has sparkled over the past five years, as the selling of seasonal trimmings has become even more lucrative. “The industry has expanded over the past five years as holidays such as Christmas has become increasingly commercialised,” said Charanjeet Singh, a shopkeeper.

City youths are thronging shops to buy decorative items for Christmas, including Christmas trees, Santa Claus dolls, stars, baubles, bells and light. People have also brought Christmas trees and tinsel streamers, baubles, stars, lights, stockings, bells to decorate their homes. “People from all religions celebrate Christmas. The new generation wants to celebrate Christmas,” said Garry, a shopkeeper.