Christmas is not just a celebration only for Christian households in Sri Lanka. It is a joyous occasion embraced by families of all religions in the country with everyone coming together in the spirit of unity, joy and goodwill.
Children from Buddhist families eagerly join in the festive cheer. They participate in the most cherished tradition – making a Christmas tree at their homes or decorating a Christmas tree of a friend or neighbour.
Buddhist parents support their children’s involvement, helping them string lights, hang green, red and gold trinkets and place whimsical decorations such as the gingerbread men, snowflakes, red berry stems and plastic glitter berries. The tree then turns out to be a dazzling spectacle of colour and warmth, with Santa Claus ornaments and fairy figurines adding to the charm.
Different faiths
Christian children often take the lead helping their friends out in preparing the Christmas tree and decorating it. They even share the Christmas ornaments they have with the other children from different faiths who engage in decorating the Christmas tree. Almost all children share the joy of Christmas in the true spirit.
Christmas is a vibrant and much-loved celebration that brings people together in joyous festivities, blending tradition with local charm. Santa Claus, that jolly symbol of holiday cheer is a beloved figure not only in shopping malls and Christmas parties but also in the hearts of children. His cheerful presence has become synonymous with the spirit of giving, reminding everyone—Christian and non-Christian alike—that Christmas is a time to share joy, kindness, and love.
As Christmas approaches, the air is filled with the aroma of festive treats being prepared in kitchens across the country. Christians take great pride in their culinary traditions, which feature seasonal delights such as the rich, spiced Christmas cake, delicious Breudher, rich cake and love cake, Yule logs and the mince pies which make up the Christmas goodies enjoyed by one and all. These delicacies are often prepared in advance and Christian families share these delicacies with neighbours and friends.
The festive meal, a feast in itself with many families serving a roast chicken or roast turkey according to each family’s financial capabilities is almost a must in Christian homes bringing a flavour of Christmas in the West alongside local fare.
A beautiful custom that highlights the spirit of Sri Lankan Christmas is the tradition of sharing—Christian families often extends their holiday cheer to non-Christian households, offering platters brimming with delicious goodies which are looked forward to by the non Christians.
Throughout December, the streets, shops and offices shimmer with vibrant and colourful decorations, creating a magical backdrop for the season. The excitement reaches fever pitch with the launch of massive shopping festivals where ‘Sale’ signs fill the windows of every mall, offering irresistible discounts that draw crowds from near and far. The frenzy of holiday shopping is not just about finding the perfect gift; it is about the joy of giving and sharing in the festive spirit with loved ones, making the season even more special.
A delightful and enduring custom is the sending Christmas cards to family and friends, both near and far. Despite the rise of digital communication, the tradition of hand-delivering or posting festive cards remains a cherished part of the Sri Lankan Christmas season.
Seasonal decorations
From mid-November, commercial establishments and hotels get a makeover, brimming with seasonal decorations that often feature natural material such as twigs, jute and leaves.
In the lead-up to Christmas, churches prepare with great care, organising carol services that will fill the air with the sounds of joyful Christmas carols which are sung prior to the service rendering a spiritual feel to Christmas.
Groups of carol singers often dressed in festive attire, travel from home to home, spreading Christmas cheer and sharing in the festive spirit. It is also common for these groups to visit orphanages, elders’ homes, and hospitals, distributing food and gifts to promote goodwill and community support. In recent years, churches, media institutions and even commercial establishments have come together to organise charity drives that benefit those in need and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming, with the public eager to lend a hand to those less fortunate.
On Christmas Eve, the excitement builds to a crescendo. Churches hold the Midnight Mass, welcoming Christmas Day with reverence and celebration.
As the clock strikes twelve, the sky erupts in a dazzling display of fire crackers. After Mass, families gather in their homes to share cake, wine, and laughter, exchanging gifts and basking in the warmth of togetherness.
Christmas Day is marked by church services in English, Sinhala and Tamil for people of all backgrounds to come together in worship and reflection. Many families attend these services after enjoying a Christmas breakfast. They spend the rest of the day surrounded by their loved ones, relishing the abundance of festive food and singing songs of joy and peace.
The spirit of Christmas continues into Boxing Day celebrated on December 26, which is also a public holiday in Sri Lanka, providing yet another opportunity for family gatherings and festive fun.
