Priests of the diocese share Christmas traditions from around the world

The U.P. Catholic“Christmas is celebrated in a colorfuFr. Vinoy Panthilapadam
l way,” said Fr. Vinoy Panthilapadam, associate pastor of St. Peter Cathedral, of traditions of Kerala in his home country of India. “There is music, exchanging gifts, decorating the churches and houses, and carol singing.” He explained that people make nativity scenes, also called “cribs,” make cakes, hold carol singing competitions, and attend Mass. “In preparation all the people take 25 days of fasting and abstinence before Christmas,” he said.
Fr. Panthilapadam explained that Indian Catholics have a deep heritage of Christianity from St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Francis Xavier. He is from the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church that is in union with Rome and the Holy See.
Prior to Christmas, the faithful observe 25 days of fasting and abstinence, renouncing things such as meat and alcohol, and participate in many spiritual activities to prepare themselves for the holiday.

“During this time parishes conduct pilgrimages to shrines and important churches in India. Youth and children will start carol singing practices in the evenings in the churches under the leadership of the parish priest,” Fr. Panthilapadam said. “Crib making begins in the parish with the formation of a crib making committee. They will start the work from Dec. 1 onwards.”

Making cakes and stars for decorating are another activity he recalled fondly. “The church youth will make big stars, which are hung in the church and houses of the Christians,” he said. “In some places, carol singing begins five days before Christmas and they will visit all the houses under the parish boundary without religious discriminations.”

The caroling continues until Dec. 24, and carol singers gather in the church for the evening Mass. “All the parishioners will be joined in the carol singing in their own area,” he said, explaining that different musical instruments are often present along with the caroling. “An Advent retreat and penance service are common during this season. Christmas trees are common in all the Christian houses, and there’s a big one in the church.”

Fr. Panthilapadam explained that fireworks are common during the season, as well as displays of lights in houses and churches. People often also distribute food and clothes to the poor. “There is also sending of greeting cards and sharing gifts,” he said.

Fr. Bernard Acquaah-Badu, associate pastor of Resurrection in Hancock and St. Francis ofFr. Bernard Acquaah-Badu
Assisi in Dollar Bay, said, “Before the advent of Christianity in Ghana, the local people did not celebrate Christmas per se. However, families gathered at the end of the year to give thanks to God for His guidance and protection throughout the year.” Fr. Acquaah-Badu came to the Diocese of Marquette from Ghana in 2024.
“It was also moments for families to settle feud—if any—among members of the family. The arrival of Christianity, with its celebration of Christmas at the end of the year, naturally merged with this already existing tradition of end-of-year celebrations among Ghanaians,” he said.

Fr. Acquaah-Badu explained that a few days or a week before Christmas, many families travel to their villages of origin, their hometowns. “The extended family back home, expecting their arrival, greets them with colorful and festive welcomes. It is a joyful moment of homecoming, especially for the young ones, particularly those visiting their hometowns for the first time,” he said.

On or around Christmas Eve, people erect trees with branches, commonly referred to as the “Bronya Dua,” or Christmas tree. The trees are then decorated with balloons, Christmas lights, and ribbons. Children also build small huts called “Bronya Apata” using palm branches. The huts, decorated with lights, flowers, and ribbons, are set up at vantage points throughout the village. “In the evenings, children gather in these huts to make new friends, play, have fun, and share interesting stories from their respective schools or the cities they live in,” he explained.

“On Christmas Eve, almost everyone attends church for the Vigil Mass. If the churches close early, the younger ones return to their huts to continue playing until their parents call them home to retire for the night,” he said.

Fr. Acquaah-Badu described the various celebrations on Christmas Day. “Everyone in the village attends church to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord. This is followed by eating, drinking, dancing, and merry making in their homes.”

On Dec. 26, after morning Mass, children dress up in their new Christmas outfits and visit houses in the neighborhood, wishing people a merry Christmas and happy new year. “The residents respond joyfully, offering the children biscuits, drinks, chocolates, or toffees. Or, in some homes, traditional delicacies like Fufu, a mixture of pounded cassava and plantain served with soup.” he said. The celebrations continue until Dec. 31, when most people would attend the Vigil Mass to usher in the New Year. “On New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, people go to church in the morning. After enjoying good meals at home, families prepare to travel back to the cities,” Fr. Acquaah-Badu said.

“One of my fondest Christmas memories was sitting with my entire family, sharing a meal after the Church service on the 25th of December. This period always made me happy because it provided an opportunity to reconnect with relatives I had not seen for a while,” he said. “The shared meal became a platform to bond and strengthen the unity among family members.”

Fr. Acquaah-Badu also fondly remembers attending Mass on Christmas Day dressed in matching outfits with the rest of his family. “It was always beautiful to see the entire family dressed as one, showcasing the strong bonds of unity among us. In the evening, we would gather to sing Christmas songs in our traditional language and exchange gifts,” he said.
“I have heard a lot about ‘White Christmas,’ and I eagerly look forward to experiencing it. Celebrating Christmas in Hancock fills me with great anticipation and joy,” said Fr. Acquaah-Badu. “May the birth of Christ bring us all joy. Merry Christmas!”