Materialism has certainly taken over Christmas in the modern world. Let's remind ourselves why this is the season of goodwill and cheer.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene | Photo: David & Company Goa (Facebook)
GOA'S CRIBS
In Goa, of course, it would be impossible to forget what Christmas is all about because of this one tradition - the making of a Christmas crib.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene | Photo: Roys Wonderland
CREATIVITY ABOUNDS
We Goans go the whole hog when creating our Christmas cribs, whether for the parish church, our individual homes or a competition.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene | Photo: Rohan Fernandes
INGENUITY EXPLORED
The ideas that Goan conjure up to construct cribs are amazing. An example is this crib made in a lake at St Alex Church, Curtorim.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene | Photo: Venita Gomes
THEMED CRIBS
Sometimes the cribs have a theme - a social, cultural or religious message. An entire miniature set will be constructed to depict the theme in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene | Photo: Kimberly Correia
DRIFTWOOD CRIBS
To prove that Goans have art in their blood, we have Xavier Fernandes from Per-Seraulim who carves Christmas cribs out of driftwood.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene|Driftwood | Photo: Kimberly Colaco
MORE THAN CLAY
Going beyond clay figurines for the Nativity set, talented Goans have also produced Nativity images using crochet, quilling and cross stitch.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
Capable of astounding all with their boundless creativity, Goan Catholics have continued in their spiritual quest by keeping Christ in Christmas.
Christmas in Goa|Cribs in Goa|Nativity scene|Church of the Immaculate Conception | Photo: Sandeep Desai