Christmas is celebrated for a full week in South India, particularly in Kerala, where I was raised. My fondest recollection is of the Christmas carol rounds, where the whole household, including the kids, would visit each home regardless of whether or not their neighbors were Christians. The Christmas Papa, also known as Santa 🎅, would almost always join in, even going so far as to "breakdance," 🕺sing, and give the kids candy. The carol group enters each home to the sound of loud drumming and harmonies, shouting, à´…à´¤്à´¯ുà´¨്നതങ്ങളിൽ à´¦ൈവത്à´¤ിà´¨ു മഹത്à´µം - à´ൂà´®ിà´¯ിൽMeaning "Glory to God in the highest and Peace to all mankind, God is here to be with man," which was the message given to shepherds searching for a savior at the birth of Jesus. The children and the housekeeper would open the doors, and there would be dancing and singing of Christmas carols. Huge paper stars and crosses were a common sight on the carol singers. The family would serve the carolers often "Plu
