A glimpse of Christmas celebrations at the D’souzas

Christmas is celebrated very joyously in Thane. The city is lit up with Christmas lights and ornamented with mesmerising décor. The D‘souzas celebrate Christmas together as a family wholeheartedly every year. Mrs. Mary D‘souza is a bakery chef by profession. She stays at Unnati Woods, Kaversar, Thane west with her husband, Mr. Selvin D‘souza, son Ozias, mother, Rebecca, and brother Christopher.

The family attends the midnight mass every year on December 24 to commemorate the birth of baby Jesus and sing Christmas carols in the church. After coming back from the church, they light candles at the altar and keep the holy statue of baby Jesus in a sacred crib. They pray together and wish Christmas greetings to their neighbours and relatives. The D‘souza residence is exquisitely decorated with fairy lights. “My brother and my husband help me with the house décor and the Christmas tree décor as well,” said Mrs. D‘souza.

The family hosts a special Christmas lunch. A luscious spread of roast chicken and chicken stew with authentic spices is made by Mrs. D‘souza using her great grandmother’s recipes. There is also a creamy caramel custard, which all the family members love. They play ‘Secret Santa’ amongst themselves and keep all the presents under the Christmas tree. The family members exchange gifts on Christmas morning and relish homemade chocolates and sweets.

-Isha Koli