The warmth that comes with listening to the lilting melodies of carols will nicely offset the chill that will gather around South Mumbai tonight on Christmas Eve

O Come All Ye Faithful to the afghan church

Afghan Church, Navy Nagar, Colaba.
The warmth that comes with listening to the lilting melodies of carols will nicely offset the chill that will gather around South Mumbai tonight on Christmas Eve.

Pic/ Sameer Markande

The impressive basalt edifice that is the Afghan Church (also known as the Church of St John the Evangelist) raised to 'honour those who fell by sickness and sword' is going to transform from a quiet, imposing structure in Navy Nagar to a colourful, melodic one as the Wild Voices Choir takes over at the Midnight Mass.

"We hope to spread the message of love, joy and peace in true Christmas spirit alongside commemorating the martyrs who have died in the disastrous Afghan War of 1838," says Rev Fr Graham, the parish priest at Afghan Church. Brave the chills to listen to some good ole carols alongside some funky Malayalam numbers that the choir group will churn out. Now that's what we call a pan-Indian celebration!

Kids get into the spirit of christmas
Where Jumping Genius, 202, Louis Belle, Junction of 16th and 30th Rd, Bandra (W).
Call 64400981 / 9820751811
Let your kids learn the true spirit of giving in Jumping Genius' Christmas programme. The playschool and day care centre has organised a Christmas Party today where a secret Santa is going to drop by with loads of goodies for the tiny tots.

Kids will learn to make cards for their parents, sing carols and shrug off the possessiveness attached to their toys and books. Chandni Mehta who runs the playschool is encouraging parents to send their kids with one item -- be it a toy, book or a pair of shoes -- that they can give away to a charity. "This is a great way to build character and learn the concept of sharing," explains Chandni. Cook-ups and pyjama parties coming up too.

Here's a fab gift idea for the late bloomers
Where Orchids, Etc, 1/B, Prem Sagar, 14th Road, Khar (W).
Call 26483418 / 26483417
Cost Rs 1,050 onwards
Fresh orchids, in full bloom, can be quite a sight -- especially when they come decked in the colours of Christmas. At Orchids, Etc you can buy a gorgeous arrangement done up in reds, greens and whites to serve as a gift that will last for a long, long time.

Those who have a green thumb and understand horticulture can choose their pick from Poinsettia plant cane, Phalaenopsis plant wooden, Guzmania ultra plant with leather fern jute and Phalaenopsis plant wooden. The guys at this store can also send an expert to design custom-made arrangements at your office or home so that it doesn't look like the plant is springing out of nowhere.

Foot note: take a walk in bandra
On Every weekend till January 9
Call 9867764409
Cost Rs 600 per person
Walk in the bylanes of Bandra to know what Christmas spirit is all about. It's in the smells wafting from the kitchens of the women baking goodies at Chapel Road, or in the faint sounds of the carol singers around the corner. Sign up for a walk with the Beyond Bombay Tours, which will take you on a walk through the history and bylanes of one of the busiest suburbs during peak season.

"We intend to focus on a particular area during a festival," says Shriti Tyagi of Beyond Bombay Tours. The 90-minute walk will start at Mount Mary Church and end at St Stanislaus School. Stops include Mehboob Studios, the Ranwar Village square, Tata Agiary, and even a 100 year-old provision store that sells herbal medicines.