imageISLAMABAD: Christian community across the country has started preparations to celebrate the grand festival of `Christmas', with the advent of December.

The Christian community, with each passing day till the eve of Christmas, continue preparations to celebrate the festivity with more enthusiasm feeling the echo of church bells that announce the birth of Jesus.

The joyous occasion of Christmas fills the atmosphere with colors, symbols and traditions of Christmas that mainly includes Christmas Tree, Santa Clause, Carols and Christmas gifts.

"Christmas is the major occasion for us to enjoy and celebrate. We decorate Christmas tree in our home with ornaments and visit family members and friends to greet and exchange some gift and greeting card", a group of young girls said.

"We have started shopping before 25 December as the winter variety of clothes and shoes has arrived in the markets", they said.

The festival of Christmas include variety of events like official gatherings to cake cutting ceremonies in small communities which are the source of happiness for the community.

Girls and boys studying in various educational institutions run by the churches have started rehearsing for tableau and carols to add charm to the Christmas functions.

All young and old are visiting Sunday bazaars and markets of the capital to shop for themselves and their loved ones while youngsters are showing interest in buying Christmas cards and gifts to show their love.

The main ritual of the Christmas celebration, among others, is decoration of Christmas tree to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus who is also known as Father Christmas.

The Christmas 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.

Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging to the Christian faith.

With the world becoming a global village, the spirit of Christmas crosses borders and people can see how enthusiastically the festival is celebrated at different places.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2014

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