A Sri Lankan Christmas

Christmas 1990

Christmas holds a special place in my heart. It’s a time to celebrate togetherness and create memories with loved ones, blending traditions from the UK with those that travelled with us from Sri Lanka bringing an unmistakable warmth and spice to the holiday season.

Traditions That Warm The Soul

Homes are adorned with glowing lights, tall madly decorated Christmas trees and nativity scenes. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a central tradition for many families, nothing quite rings in Christmas like the choir singing ‘O Holy Night’ for me. There’s something magical about walking out into the warm night air after Mass, greeted by the sounds of firecrackers lighting up the sky, surrounded by friends and family. Here in the UK, the chilly weather brings its own charms and traditions and for me the season is an blending of both.

One of my favourite memories is the exchange of gifts and food with neighbours and friends. In Sri Lanka, it’s customary to share plates of food for our religious holidays, giving and receiving food from different cultures is amazing. More about that in another blog. Here in the UK, we keep this tradition alive, inviting neighbours over for a glass of mulled wine and a bit of food as I’m sure lots of you do. It’s a celebration of not just the holiday but of the resilience and beauty of our blended identities. Our Sri Lankan traditions enrich the season, reminding us of home while allowing us to embrace the best of both cultures.

A Sri Lankan Spread, The Food

There was always so much food from ‘short eats’ like stuffed roti’s, patties and cutlets to roasted meats , curries and salads and of course the BBQ. This Christmas, why not add a touch of Sri Lanka to your festivities? Whether it’s baking a Sri Lankan love cake, trying your hand at pineapple curry, or simply sharing a meal with neighbours, you’ll find that these traditions bring warmth, connection, and a little spice to the holiday season.

Wishing you all a joyous, flavour-filled Christmas from our Little Big Flavour Kits family to yours!