“Being able to visit church on Christmas morning will be the best part this year. It will refresh our soul and bring us the most awaited joy we missed last year due to the lockdown,” says Sherin Jacob, a resident of suburban Mumbai’s Santacruz.

As the city glows deeper with bright yet warm Christmas lights, the heightened festive spirit among Mumbaikars is noticeable. Together with family or away from home, many have been occupied with preparations for one of the most thrilling festivals of the year; not to forget the arrival of the New Year, which adds to the vigour. From customary home decor and church rituals to cooking authentic Christmas recipes, Mumbaikars are all set to make up for the subdued celebrations of the last two years due to Covid-19 restrictions. Moreover, the annual Christmas traditions of visiting church, midnight mass, hosting carols and prayers at home and enjoying dinner with close family members are back on track.