Yuletide whispers in Lko: a festive tale combining family, flavors and pleasure

As Christmas approaches, the city’s Christian community is abuzz, preserving centuries-old traditions that add a unique charm to the holiday season. Whether it’s placing a star on top of the Christmas tree or baking cakes with personalized touches, these customs celebrate family ties and heritage.

Carmen Bennett, 55, made ginger wine using a 100-year-old family recipe passed down from her great-grandfather (Source)

In many homes, the symbolic act of placing the Christmas star holds a special place. For Aditya Nath, 36, it has been a family tradition for generations that the youngest member of the family receives the honour. “This is our way of celebrating the youngest member. Sometimes the same person continues for years. This year my four-year-old son Jayden decorated the Christmas star,” Nath said.

For some, the privilege belongs to the eldest in the family. Charmaine Fanthome, 46, explained how her father, Peter Fanthome, always placed the star until he passed away last year. “This year, for the first time, I will be carrying on the tradition,” said Fanthome, who is also busy preparing festive treats like macarons, fudge and Christmas cake for a big turkey dinner on Christmas Eve.

Within the Anglo-Indian community, certain culinary traditions remain deeply rooted. Carmen Bennett, 55, prepared ginger wine using a century-old family recipe passed down from her great-grandfather. “For as long as I can remember, I have seen my family sitting together, having a glass of homemade wine and toasting at dinner parties,” she said.

Despite a busy schedule this year, she managed to make her ginger wine and savory meat, a Christmas dinner staple. “Preparing salted meat is tedious, so most people prefer to buy it, but I still follow the traditional process and even sell it to others during the season,” she added.

The personal touches during Christmas celebrations also stand out. Anupama Anthony, 41, fondly remembers a custom her father started decades ago: baking Christmas cakes with names for her and her sister. “My name appears on the plain cakes, which I love, while my sister Ankita’s name is added on the fruit cakes. Even though she hasn’t lived in Lucknow for over 20 years, my father continues this sweet tradition,” said Anthony.

Mistletoe, an evergreen plant known for its festive charm, remains a tradition dear to certain Anglo-Indian families. Hung above the main door, it symbolizes love and goodwill. A popular part of the holiday season, mistletoe also carries a playful tradition where children kiss visitors beneath it, keeping this festive custom alive in many homes.