ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The preparations of the forthcoming festival of Christmas is gaining momentum in twin cities as the Christian community living across the country is going to celebrate their festival with religious fervor.
With every passing day till the eve of Christmas, they are preparing for their festivity and feel the echo of church bells that announce the birth of Jesus.
The traditions related to Christmas included decoration of Christmas tree, Santa Claus, Carols and Christmas gifts.
Minister for Interfaith Harmony and Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government through the ministry of Interfaith Harmony and provincial departments has started distributing funds and gifts among the deserving people of Christian community across the country.
“On this occasion we should follow the philosophy of Jesus Christ that was based on love, brotherhood, peace and harmony to deal with issues like terrorism and extremism,” he said.
From official gatherings to cake cutting ceremonies in small communities, this joyous occasion fills the atmosphere with colours, symbols and traditions of Christmas.
Groups of young boys and girls are preparing carols to present on Christmas day in melodious tones to celebrate the Christmas functions that bring people together to feast, pray, wishing each other well and enjoy the moments.
Costumed in bright red colour with snowy white fur, the jolly white-bearded man known as Santa Claus serves as the most enchanting tradition and attraction on Christmas festivity.
Youngsters and children seems exciting while waiting for Santa Claus as his vibrant outfit of red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots spreads joy on their faces.
Christmas tree which is considered as main ritual of the Christmas celebration to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus creates more charisma to the festivity of Christmas with its colorful decorative look.
All the members of Christian community started decorating the evergreen coniferous tree as a tradition associated with the Christmas celebration.
The tree is usually decked with different ornaments including baubles, small bells painted gold or silver, stars of different shapes and sizes, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons made from glass, metal, wood and ceramic. An angel and star is often placed at the top of the tree representing the host of angels.
Days before Christmas like other parts of the world the Christian community living in Pakistan started preparing for their festival while the areas where Christians live in large number and Churches are being decorated with fairy lights, colourful bulbs and the traditional Christmas tree.
Source: APP
