On this holiday season, we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. As the spirit of Christmas surrounds us with gifts, Christmas decorations, best wishes, and family gatherings, we wanted to emphasize the tradition and religion behind this holiday that only a few Nepali celebrate.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is a religious holiday observed around the world celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas is commemorated both by Christians and non-Christians and is also a secular holiday.
Kajal Sapkota 
Soniya Kunwar 
Soniya Kunwar 
Smriti Dahal and Family 
Smriti Dahal and Family 
Shubheccha Shakya and Sakar Shakya 
Shubheccha Shakya and Sakar Shakya 
Sakar Shakya and Family 
Sakar Shakya
How do Nepali-Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Nepali Christians celebrate Christmas on a two-day basis, although it may be observed differently depending on the church they are affiliated in. The Eve of Christmas holds a candle night service. Some Nepali Christians follow this Christmas tradition gathering around in a circle, lighting candles, singing the announcement of Christmas in gospels, preparing for the next day.
Most Nepali Christians celebrate this important and meaningful tradition a whole month before Christmas day by going to different believers’ houses, singing carols, reading the Bible, praying, dancing, gathering and eating good food, and sharing offerings for their church’s Christmas preparations. They decorate the whole church a week before.
On Christmas day, Nepali Christians gather in the church for fellowship, singing hymns, preaching from the Bible, and praying gratefully for their lord and savior Jesus Christ, celebrating his birth. They also perform dances, dramas, and share gifts holding contests for their young ones. They invite their friends and neighbors to participate with them on their day of celebration. At the end of the day, everyone gathers for a communion (“Aghapye” meaning “love feast”) meal.
Nepali Christians also often get together holding rallies and gather in Nepal’s “Khula Munch”, an open field on the heart of Kathmandu. This is to proclaim their religion conveying solidarity and their best wishes to all the other religions, sharing their gospel good news that their savior is born.
Nepali Christians abroad gather together with their families in their houses, share best wishes and gifts, sing and pray, share the Bible gospel, eat good food and open their presents.
What is the meaning behind Christmas?
Christmas indicates the spirit of giving as in the Bible, the three wise men brought gifts- gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to the newborn Jesus Christ. Biblically, gold signifies royalty or kingship, as Jesus the King of Kings, frankincense signifies priestly role, and myrrh the anointing oil, respecting and honoring Him.
Christmas Tree is often decorated in the heart of the living room, symbolizing the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evergreen tree’s branches and shrubs symbolize immortality and the painful thorns Jesus wore on his head on the cross, the day he was sacrificed.
Traditionally, the presents are kept under the Christmas tree. Saint Nicholas aka Santa Claus, who lives in the North Pole, brings presents to the young children. He represents a jolly man in red who rewards the children if they behave well throughout the year.