Christmas preps in full swing

With Christmas just around the corner, excitement for the grand festival’s celebration is mounting among members of the Christian community in the federal capital. As the pinnacle of Christmas festivities, many around the city have started decorating Christmas trees with merry ornaments and twinkling stars.

The Christmas tree serves as a festive symbol meant to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus and is the centrepiece of the Christmas festival. Members of the Christian community have already began decorating the evergreen coniferous tree which is taken to be the traditional choice for a Christmas tree, be it real or artificial.

The tree is usually decked with a variety of ornaments including baubles, small bells that are painted gold or silver, stars of different shapes and sizes, pinecones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons made from glass, metal, wood and ceramic. An angel and star are often placed at the top of the tree to represent the host of angels.

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“I have started the ornamentation of my Christmas tree early on and I am excited because all my friends will be visiting my home to see the colourful tree,” said Asiya Yusuf, a youngster. "Decorating the Christmas tree is the main hallmark of this festival. Our festival would remain incomplete without this tree".

Amir Masih, who is a father of four kids said, “My kids are always more enthusiastic towards decorating the Christmas tree before the start of the festival so that they have pictures of the colourful tree which they can post on their social media to get likes." He added that, “Christmas is the time to share happiness with each other and pray for our country's progress and prosperity.’

The festival of Christmas naturally brings good business for ornament sellers in addition to sweet sellers as well as gift shops.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2023.