Christmas celebrations trace back to ancient midwinter festivals, particularly in pre-Christian Europe. It is believed to have been inspired by celebrations like the Roman Saturnalia and the Norse Yule, which are also responsible for playing significant roles in shaping later Christmas traditions. Christianity's integration of Christmas is believed to have begun in the 4th century AD. Although the date of Jesus Christ’s birth was not recorded in the Bible, the Roman church is believed to have settled on December 25 to coincide with the pre-existing festivals.

According to the scriptures, in mediaeval Europe, Christmas was not just a religious celebration but also a social moment of gathering. As per history, it was in the 11th century that dramatising the birth of Christ through native plays became popular, adding another layer to the celebration. Reformers like Martin Luther promoted the religious aspects of the festival but discouraged the exercises of feasting and revelry. It is believed that in Puritan England, Christmas was banned between 1647 and 1660 because of its association with paganism and excessive celebrations. By the 18th century, Christmas had regained its popularity. The 19th century was known for the profound transformation of Christmas, especially in the West. 

Christianity is believed to have been introduced to India during the 1st century AD by Saint Thomas, the Apostle who travelled to the southern state of Kerala. As the centuries passed, Christianity spread across the subcontinent, particularly under the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule. Christian communities had become well established in regions like Goa, Kerala, and parts of northeastern India.

Celebrated worldwide on December 25, Christmas holds profound religious significance as it glorifies the birth of Jesus Christ, believed to be the son of God and the saviour of humanity according to Christians. As per Christian belief, the birth of Jesus Christ is central to the understanding of God‘s plan for the salvation of humankind. As per scriptures like the gospel of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Virgin Mary, who the holy Spirit conceived. This divine intervention was called Incarnation, in which God was believed to take human form. Christmas is the festival which celebrates Jesus and symbolises God’s closeness to the marginalised and the poor.

The celebrations of Christmas begin with Advent, a period leading up to Christmas. It is a time of spiritual preparation for most Christians and begins four Sundays before Christmas. It is marked by prayer, fasting, reflection, and signifying the anticipation of Jesus' birth. To symbolise the growing light of Christ's presence, lighting the Advent candles is a popular tradition. A central part of Christmas celebrations is the Nativity scene or crèche, which visually represents the birth of Jesus in the stable and includes figures like Joseph, Mary, the Shephard, the Magi, and animals. It encourages believers to live lives of humility and service by reflecting on the simplicity of Christ’s birth. One of the most significant religious services of the year for Christians happens on Christmas Eve and is known as the Midnight Mass. The mass honours the birth of Christ and is accompanied by hymns, scripture readings, and the Eucharist. Inspired by the gifts brought by the Magi or the wise men to baby Jesus, the tradition of gift-giving is described in the gospel of Matthews as an essential ritual. It emphasises God’s love for humanity, as shown through the birth of his son, and Christians are called to extend this love to others, particularly the poor and the needy. In many Christian communities, Christmas is a time for acts of charity, such as providing gifts, clothing, and food to those in need.

An essential Christmas custom that brings the message of Jesus’s birth to life through music is the singing of Christmas carols. Carolling groups organised by churches go from house to house, singing hymns and carols. Feasting is integral to Christmas celebrations, symbolising abundance, joy, and the spirit of sharing. Christmas meals in Western countries usually have a roast turkey, ham, and a variety of other dishes, while in Goa, traditional Goan dishes like Pork Vindaloo, Dor Potke and Bebinca are central to the meal. In Kerala, Syrian Christian families feast on appam and stew, while the northeastern states savour traditional tribal foods, cakes, and sweets communally. The Christmas tree symbolises life and vitality during the winter season and is decorated with lights, ornaments, and stars as a ritual before Christmas Day.

With its rich Portuguese heritage, Goa celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm. Decorated churches mark it, and crib-making competitions and grand feasts reflect not only religious devotion but also the vibrant cultural heritage of Goa, which blends Portuguese, Indian, and Christian influences. The Midnight Mass in Goa is a significant event that draws many people to the gathering. The Christian community in Kerela is believed to have a long tradition of celebrating Christmas with special church services, traditional meals, and star-shaped lanterns. In states like Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, where Christianity is one of the dominant religions, Christmas is the most important festival of the year. They celebrate with the community through church services and incorporating tribal music, dance, and customs. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, Christmas is celebrated as a cultural event where people participate in public celebrations, enjoy commercial displays, and gather for festive gatherings irrespective of their backgrounds. Christmas holds the true spirit of bringing people together and fostering a sense of shared identity.

A festive amalgamation of local customs and Western influences, the traditional attire worn by men and women during Christmas in India emphasises celebration and reverence while incorporating regional fabrics and designs.

In states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Goa, a popular choice for Christian women is the saree. It is worn in festive colours like white, gold, red, and green, symbolising spirituality for Christmas. Christian women in India are believed to have adopted this traditional garment for occasions like Christmas as an intersection of local customs and religious observance. Women prefer fabrics like chiffon and georgette with delicate embellishment and embroidery. In regions like Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata, it is common for women to wear Western dresses for Christmas. They range from gowns to simple knee-length dresses in green, red, and white colours.

In southern states like Kerala, Christian men often wear a traditional Mundu with a shirt for Christmas. It is a long piece of fabric wrapped around one’s waist and made from cotton or silk. It is a traditional South Indian garment which has been worn for centuries and has been adopted by Christian men in that region as a respect for both religious and cultural traditions. During church services, men wear white Mundus with gold borders and are also seen wearing formal suits in colours like black, navy blue, or grey to services. 

The traditional attire worn by men and women during Christmas in India is a true reflection of the country's rich cultural, artisan, and religious heritage.