Traditional Christmas Cooking for Indian Christians: A Celebration of Faith and Flavours

Christmas in India is a vibrant tapestry of faith, culture, and cuisine, where age-old traditions blend seamlessly with local flavours. 

For Indian Christians, the Christmas season is marked by heartfelt prayers, midnight masses, and, of course, the aroma of festive delicacies wafting through the air. 

The kitchen becomes the heart of the celebration, bringing families together to prepare a feast that honours both heritage and the joy of the season.

Here’s a glimpse into the culinary traditions that make Christmas a magical time for Indian Christians.

Christmas Cake: A Festive Essential

The Christmas cake is an unmissable highlight of the season. Inspired by the classic plum cake brought by the British, it has been lovingly adapted to suit Indian palates. This rich, spiced cake is brimming with dried fruits, nuts, and a generous splash of rum or brandy. The preparation often begins weeks in advance, with families soaking dried fruits in spirits to ensure the flavours deepen.

In many homes, baking the Christmas cake is a cherished family ritual, with everyone gathering to mix the ingredients—a process often accompanied by laughter, carols, and a prayer for blessings in the coming year.

Savoury Stars of the Table

While sweets hold a special place, the savoury dishes in an Indian Christian Christmas feast are equally noteworthy.

Vindaloo or Sorpotel: From Goa to Kerala, pork dishes like vindaloo or sorpotel are staples at Christmas gatherings. These slow-cooked dishes are infused with vinegar, spices, and a touch of jaggery, creating a harmonious balance of heat and tang.

Appam and Stew: In Kerala, a Christmas breakfast often features appam (fermented rice pancakes) served with a fragrant stew made with chicken, lamb, or vegetables simmered in coconut milk.

Biryani: For many families, biryani is a centrepiece dish, showcasing a medley of fragrant basmati rice, tender meat, and warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Sweets for the Soul

Indian Christians have a rich tradition of Christmas sweets, influenced by regional cuisines yet unified by their festive spirit.

Kulkuls: These tiny, deep-fried curls of dough are coated in sugar syrup and have a delightful crunch. Kulkuls are often made in large batches, perfect for sharing with neighbours and friends.

Neureos: A Goan favourite, these sweet, crescent-shaped pastries are filled with coconut, jaggery, and nuts, and fried to golden perfection.

Bebinca: This decadent, layered Goan dessert is made with coconut milk, eggs, and sugar, baked layer by layer for a stunning finish. Bebinca is a labour of love and a symbol of Christmas indulgence.

Drinks to Toast the Season

No Christmas meal is complete without a festive drink to raise a toast. Many families brew their own homemade wine using grapes or plums, a practice steeped in tradition. For those seeking something more warming, a cup of spiced tea or coffee infused with cardamom and cinnamon is the perfect way to round off a hearty meal.

The Spirit of Community and Sharing

Christmas cooking in Indian Christian households is about more than just the food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and generosity. The festive season is a time to share meals, sweets, and love with neighbours of all faiths, reflecting India’s pluralistic spirit.

As you plan your Christmas menu this year, consider drawing inspiration from these rich culinary traditions. Whether it’s a slice of boozy plum cake, a bowl of aromatic biryani, or a crunchy kulkul, each bite tells a story of faith, family, and festivity.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and delicious food!

Interestingly as my wife's family originated in India some of the above utterly delicious dishes are not unknown in our home!

Thoughtful Christmas Gifts for the Religiously Inclined: How to Source Something Special

The festive season is nearly upon us, and as we start thinking about presents, it’s a good time to consider something meaningful for the religiously inclined people in our lives. 

Christmas, at its heart, is a celebration of faith, love, and giving. For those who cherish the spiritual essence of the holiday, finding a gift that resonates with their beliefs can be a beautiful way to show you care. 

But where do you begin? Here’s a guide to sourcing thoughtful and faith-centred gifts that will make this Christmas extra special.

1. Personalised Faith Gifts

Personalisation is a surefire way to make a gift feel special, and it’s even more meaningful when combined with faith-based items. Consider a leather-bound Bible with the recipient’s name embossed on the cover or a prayer journal customised with their initials. These gifts not only demonstrate thoughtfulness but also become keepsakes they’ll cherish for years to come.

Where to Source: Look to online stores like Etsy or independent Christian retailers, which often offer personalised options. Many UK-based small businesses provide bespoke services, ensuring your gift is one-of-a-kind.

2. Handcrafted Nativity Sets

A beautifully crafted nativity set can serve as both décor and a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. From intricate olive wood carvings to modern, minimalist ceramic figures, these sets can suit various home styles while honouring a cherished tradition.

Where to Source: Explore fair-trade shops and marketplaces that work with artisans in regions like Bethlehem, ensuring your gift is ethically sourced. Websites like Traidcraft or Not on the High Street can be excellent starting points.

3. Faith-Based Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes are all the rage, and there are several that cater to those looking to deepen their faith. 

These boxes often include a mix of devotionals, books, Christian art, and lifestyle items. 

It’s a gift that keeps on giving, with monthly surprises that bring joy and spiritual nourishment throughout the year.

Where to Source: Check out The Good News Christian Box or Christian Book Box, which ship within the UK and include curated items designed to inspire and uplift.

4. Religious Artwork & Wall Décor

For those who love to display their faith at home, consider a piece of religious artwork. This could be a framed print of a favourite Bible verse, a stunning cross, or a painting of an iconic scene like the Last Supper. There are also plenty of modern and minimalist designs for those with a more contemporary taste.

Where to Source: Online platforms like Redbubble or Artfinder offer a wide range of independent artists' work, so you can find something unique. Additionally, many churches hold Christmas fairs where local artisans sell handmade items.

5. Advent Candles & Devotionals

For many, the lead-up to Christmas is just as important as the day itself. A set of Advent candles, complete with a devotional guide, can be a lovely way to encourage a more reflective season. This gift invites the recipient to slow down, focus on their faith, and prepare their hearts for Christmas.

Where to Source: Faith-based bookshops like Eden or Church House Bookshop offer a variety of Advent resources, including candles and devotionals.

6. Books, Music, and Audiobooks

If your loved one enjoys reading, consider gifting a Christian fiction novel, a daily devotional, or an inspiring biography. Alternatively, a subscription to an audiobook service like Audible can be a wonderful gift for those who prefer listening to their favourite faith-based books or podcasts.

Where to Source: Christian bookshops, both online and local, often carry curated selections. Don't overlook charity shops, which can have a surprising range of pre-loved Christian books.

7. Prayer Beads or Rosaries

For those who practice meditation or prayer using beads, a handcrafted rosary or prayer beads made from gemstones or olive wood can be both functional and beautiful. These gifts can be used during quiet moments of reflection or as a portable reminder of their faith.

Where to Source: Many cathedrals have gift shops that support their upkeep, and online platforms like A Little Something Catholic often carry unique, handcrafted options.

8. Gifts that Give Back

For the person who values giving over receiving, consider making a charity donation in their name. Many Christian organisations, like Tearfund, Christian Aid, or Samaritan’s Purse, allow you to sponsor a child, provide clean water, or fund a mission project on behalf of someone else.

Where to Source: Visit the charity’s official website to see their gift catalogues. Many will provide a certificate or a card you can give to your loved one as a token of the donation.

9. Faith-Themed Games and Puzzles

Christmas is a time for families to come together, so why not gift a biblically-themed board game or puzzle? It’s a fun way to engage with loved ones while reflecting on faith-based themes.

Where to Source: Try Christian bookshops or independent game shops that specialise in educational and faith-oriented products.

10. Personalised Home Décor

For something that’s both personal and decorative, consider a wooden cross, plaque, or framed quote customised with the recipient’s name or a meaningful Bible verse. These pieces can be lovely additions to a home’s interior, serving as daily reminders of their faith.

Where to Source: Websites like Not on the High Street or small craft businesses on Etsy are perfect for finding customisable home décor.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a religiously inclined loved one, remember that the best gifts are those that come from the heart and reflect their values. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted keepsake, a book to inspire, or a charitable gift that spreads the spirit of giving, the thought behind your gift will surely be appreciated. By sourcing gifts from ethical, small businesses or charitable organisations, you not only support good causes but also make Christmas even more meaningful.

You can Google Christian bookshops near to your area to find out what is available, locally. Amazon and Etsy are also useful options.

May your gift-giving this season be filled with joy, thoughtfulness, and the spirit of faith!