A starry Christmas

With halls decked in merriment and fun, Christmas brings joy and a bundle of excitement. B’Town isn’t too far in preparing for the festival either. Even with the millions of things in the world that one could possibly do for Christmas, Bollywood likes to indulge in a more homely setting. From preparing traditional delicacies to staying up till late with the family, the stars share how they make their Christmas special.

Malaika Arora
My mother usually has a beautiful, well-decorated Christmas tree all lit up in her house. All the kids in the house have to help mom deck up the tree. At night, we go for the midnight mass and then come back home together to spend some Christmas-special time with each other. On the table, wine and the traditional plum cake are always on offer. Christmas for me is about the spirit of happiness and about giving freely. The festival is so much about the family spending some quality time with each other just eating, drinking and making merry. We spend the night at my mum’s place and then in the morning, we open presents! After a scrumptious, traditional Christmas lunch next, we bid adieu.

Alia Bhatt
Usually, I prefer staying at home and celebrating Christmas with my family. When I was a kid, I thought Santa Claus was real and I used to keep up all night to see if he really came over. Then in the morning, we would wake up and open our presents.

Alia Bhatt

Christmas is often celebrated at my mother’s house with my maternal grandparents. She cooks an entire traditional meal every year on Christmas — complete with stuffed roast turkey, bread sauce, mashed potatoes, brown gravy and Christmas plum pudding!

Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor
When I was growing up, I celebrated Christmas every year; I was always excited about the festival. This year, I will be with my family and spend time with them. Whatever Mira (Rajput) and Misha will want to do, I will do with them. I want everyone to spread love and cheer during this festive season.

Jackie Shroff

Jackie Shroff
We live in quite the secular household celebrating all the different Indian festivals there are. My father was a Gujarati, my mother was Muslim, wife Ayesha’s (Dutt Shroff) father was a Bengali and her mother, a Christian. So, all the children in my family have grown up celebrating all festivals from Eid and Diwali to bringing Ganapati home and Christmas! I am not much for merry-making. But the children are very enthusiastic and follow all rituals.

Riya Sen with her friend Nina

Actress Riya Sen with her friend Nina
We put up a Christmas tree every year in our Bombay and Calcutta homes. We have colourful lights and streamers to go with it as well. But this year, I will be travelling to Laos. I will be in the capital of Laos, Vientiane and then in Luang Prabhang on Christmas Day.

Raveena Tandon

Actress Raveena  Tandon
I decided to unwind so I am trekking and exploring the flora and fauna of the Corbett National Park for Christmas and New Year. We are happy to be in the jungle. My children love nature and wildlife.

Ihana Dhillon

Actress Ihana Dhillon
I am going to celebrate Christmas in my home town this time as I’m shooting continuously for my upcoming films, in Chandigarh. So this time I’m going to be celebrating Christmas with my family.

Nida Mahmood

Designer Nida Mahmood
I’ll celebrate a private and fun barbeque party along with some red wine and plum cake. I plan on spending this Christmas with my family and close friends this year.

Sherlyn Chopra

Actress Sherlyn Chopra
Christmas has always been very special to me. I love the way festivities begin with this day. I love the tree, mistletoe, gifts and all the fun and frolic around this time of the year. This year, I will be working on Christmas and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it. I send my love to all and wish everyone a fabulous year ahead.

Priya Banerjee

Actress Priya Banerjee
Growing up in Canada, Christmas has always been a big deal for me. It’s probably the only festival that is celebrated in a huge manner! I put lights everywhere, go gift shopping for my family and friends and set up the Christmas tree. Everything about Christmas is so jolly and bright. Even though I live in Mumbai for most of the time of the year, I always make sure I’m back home in Canada for Christmas every year. It just brings back childhood memories and the vibe is so amazing around this time.

Shashaa Tirupati

Singer Shashaa Tirupati
For me Christmas has always been white. I celebrate with my parents and brothers in Canada in the snow. But this year, things are gong to be different. I will be performing for Christmas. But the beauty of Christmas lies in the fact that there is snow, mistletoe and Christmas tree. That is ideally Christmas for me. This year, I will enjoy the company of my fans and people in the audience and I’m going to have a great time because I will have a lot more people as compared to the usual Christmas celebrations.        

Sana Khan

Actress Sana Khan
The best part about Christmas is believing that Santa will come and give you whatever you wish for. Things like candies, cakes, lights and the Christmas tree are somethings I really admired as a child.

Model Amit Tandon
I was supposed to go to New York for a show which just got postponed to January. So I will be in Mumbai and will celebrate with my close friends. We will be going to the Mount Mary’s Church on Chrismas Eve.
—Sanskriti Media