How traditional will your Christmas Day be?

Kolkata: Being brought up in the delightful conundrum called Calcutta, Christmas was always the ultimate carnival of the year. While those of the faith practised humble homage, others in the periphery were privy to many joys and multiple delights. The beauty of which was the non-negotiable inclusivity, in every possible sense.

The magical unifier is the Christmas Cake, available for a pretty packet at J W Marriott or for meagre means at J Baruah and Co, bakers since British India. Most beautifully, the one at the latter definitely tasted better, the skills of the artisans overpowering the undeniably superior ingredients of the conglomerate. Over the years, indigenous confectioners like Mio Amore took over the mantle, aided ably by packaged versions from Britannia and Bisk Farm, truly a bite for every wallet. 

For those favouring fancy meats, the classical lunch table is a much-solicited joy, from roasted turkey and duck to effervescent salads and thoughtful puddings. This ensemble too has evolved over the years, from the colonial club bastions to pretty neighbourhood cafes to supercilious 5-Star assembly lines - delighting the sentiments of all and sundry. While data points do not sufficiently exist, this pattern is expected to thrive, as greater exposure leads to a smorgasbord mindset on the table. 

But the point of my piece is neither shallow nostalgia nor niche food habits, but indeed a larger territory of tradition that persists on this day. Which is the unfettered licence to have a damn good time with family and friends, supremely assisted by the fairest weather of the year. This Indian habit of celebrating in public spaces is contrary to the Western practice of in-camera family affairs, and this is the lovable interpretation of this land at large. 

Not just in Calcutta, Goa or Mumbai, I have happily witnessed Christmas Fairs occurring in many parts of the nation, inviting everybody for games, food and fiesta. In Mumbai, when we lived in Powai, the building society’s dinner treat was vegetarian Gujarati food, with oodles of Pina Colada clonish buttermilk. While I cannot forget the mammoth crowds at the midnight mass in Pune, clearly a calendar event for sincere locals and not just devout Christians. CG Road in Ahmedabad was suitably decked up for the occasion with the sales of Vadilal ice cream surely skyrocketing, as revellers found a tactical reason to celebrate. 

But the greatest evidence of the expanding indulgence franchise is clearly the fervent occupation of public spaces, including zoos, parks and the high streets. Without necessarily flaunting an expansive budget or firm agendas, folks assemble for genuine merriment, setting up spontaneous picnics and live concerts, not excluding anybody who is palpably able. A uniform code of adherence gives rise to a continuum ranging from spiffy night clubs to municipal gardens, the degrees of comprehension not quite a defining factor. 

It does seem logical that for all non-affiliates, the only tradition to sincerely observe on the 25th of December is the mandate to have sleigh-loads of fun, with nobody judging or even watching. A possible catalyst for this momentum is the iconification of Santa Claus, courtesy of the marketing genius of Coca-Cola, with its popular culture entourage including the tree, gifting socks and magical moments of delight. Thus leading to an oasis of bonhomie that needs no reason or seeks no cause. 

This Christmas, I do want to enjoy it quietly, with a dash of Bing Crosby as the side dish. If successfully implemented, that would make me a member of a rapidly diminishing minority, in a world that’s getting smaller. If you haven't made your plans yet, there is still time, as Santa is clearly in no rush.