Hyderabad: December comes with mist, chilly winds, clear skies, magical moments made merrier by plum and rum, mellifluous renditions of hymns and carols, and turning over of a new leaf.
The month of Christmas — the Star has begun shining bright at many places — this season is full of celebration that often involve gearings of family and friends, gift-giving, festive decorations and cultural events.
Many start planning trips to their favourite destinations to savour the season's aroma, while some crave to visit their parents and grandparents and feast on traditional delicacies.
While many get busy ordering cakes and wine in advance for the festivities to follow, music lovers try to compose special songs and find new tunes while some enthusiasts begin their hunt for the elusive traditional Christmas tree and food delicacies.
"At home, it all begins with cleaning every nook and corner of the house, decorating the house with ribbons, balloons, sparkling lights, setting up Christmas Crib, decorating the Christmas tree along with gifts and installing the all-important Star outside the house," points out Dr Parveen.
The second week is for shopping and waiting for the carollers while the third week will be hectic with church activities, singing practice for candlelight service with 'Silent Night, Holy Night, All Is Calm, All Is Bright', and ‘Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle All the Way' …… echoing all around, preparing traditional laddus, murukus, mixture, plum cakes and red wine for the D-Day, along with camp fire, music and dance that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
At church on Christmas Day, gentlemen and ladies dress in their best, before feasting on the biryanis, kebabs, turkeys and other delicacies.
"Kya rahta bhai. Just simple and plain," says Dr Parveen about her December, despite having loads of work, endless shopping and spending.
Shifra Alina, a BTech first year student from Secunderabad, says December is her dearest month. "As December knocks, my heart feels a soft chill. It's a holiday season filled with love and laughter. Apart from shopping and decorating home, the month gets livelier in the company of family and friends," says Alina.
"The month also gives a mixed feeling of ending and beginning. It is also the year's last page, but the winter's first call. It's like the year ends on a festive note paving way to the New Year," she said.
For Kunchala Jerusha, December is the month of Christmas.
"It is the month in which magic fills the air and warmth touches the soul. A season of winter chills paired with the joy of homecoming and the beauty of snow blanketing the world. It's a time for family gatherings, where laughter echoes, hearts connect and memories are made," she says.
"Christmas reminds us of the light that shines in the darkness, the promise of renewal and the everlasting gift of grace," she added.
The melodies of carols fill every corner, gifts are exchanged with love and Santa's cheer brings smiles all over.
"The aroma of rum and plum cakes mingles with the scent of freshly baked cookies, adding sweetness to every moment. Alongside it come the laddus and crispy mixture, filling homes with the aroma of festivity and hearts with delight. Christmas biryani is more than just a dish-it's a celebration made with love, seasoned with joy and served with warmth. It's a time for thanksgiving - reflecting on the blessings of the past year,” said Jerusha.
B.J. Annie Neeraja of Tirupati felt December carries an air of coziness. It's time for twinkling lights, and the baked treats wafting through homes. "It feels like the year is coming full circle, bringing a mix of reflection, excitement and anticipation. December has a unique charm - it's the bridge between the year that is fading away and the promise of a fresh start," says Annie.
Cyril Herald, a Guntur native who works in Hyderabad, has been trying to compose a special song for Christmas. "We have a family get-together feast that is loaded with music, dance and fun. Being known as a guitarist and song composer, there are expectations on me to come up with a new number every December," says Herald.
Church decoration is the specialty if 53-year-old artist B. Solomon Raju from Kadapa, who has been executing it with proper planning and precision along with a 20-member youth for the past four decades.
"It has been my passion since childhood to draw and paint something. Church decoration has not only inspired and motivated me, but also kept alive my creative streak," said Solomon Raju.
After all, it's the season to be jolly!
