In London, Christmas reflects a vibrant tapestry of global traditions and culinary delights.

From roast turkey accompanied by Iranian dishes to Indian curries and traditional Hanukkah doughnuts, Londoners embrace a variety of ways to celebrate the festive season.

Pooja’s Christmas morning in Croydon starts with a classic Gujarati breakfast, before moving on to the excitement of unwrapping gifts.

Her son, Aarav, eagerly anticipates the moment he can open his presents, while his sister, Niya, revels in the “delicious food” that adorns their Christmas table.

Growing up in a Hindu Gujarati family in south London, Pooja experienced quiet Christmases focused on family bonding.

She recalls, “Gift-giving wasn’t our focus. It was more about spending time together—playing games and enjoying vegetarian dishes like samosas and kachoris.”

As the years have passed, Pooja’s traditions have evolved. With marriage and motherhood, her holiday menu has expanded.

Chicken curry and rice have now become staples of their Christmas feast, and last year marked their first attempt at a traditional Christmas roast.

“We had all the traditional sides, except for Brussels sprouts,” she noted.

However, she remains dedicated to maintaining her Gujarati heritage, stating, “It’s essential for my children to know their roots.”

This blend of cultures is evident in everyday moments in their home. Last year, when Pooja’s grandmother came to visit, she was taken aback to see a Christmas tree in their living room.

Pooja fondly recalls her son connecting the lights and exclaiming, “Look, Grandma – it’s just like Diwali!”

Her grandmother chuckled at the comparison.

A few miles away, Deborah and her family represent another blend of traditions.

Deborah, a Christian, reflects on how Christmas was unfamiliar to her husband Omid when they first got together.

“Omid had never celebrated Christmas, given his Iranian Muslim background,” she shared.

Rather than exchanging gifts, he initiated a “multicultural goodies exchange” by sending Deborah a calendar invitation.

“We’ve been doing that ever since,” she laughed.

This year, Deborah will welcome her Iranian in-laws for Christmas Day, along with her Swedish sister-in-law. “We’re planning to combine all our cultures into a grand buffet, allowing everyone to share and enjoy together,” she explained.

For Omid, he notices many parallels between Christmas and Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. “Both occasions emphasize family gatherings,” he pointed out.

This sentiment of unity can be found across various communities in London.

In Walthamstow, Daniel and Rachel, a multi-faith couple, are also navigating the festive season.

Daniel identifies as Jewish, while Rachel considers herself a non-practicing Christian.

This year, Hanukkah has predated Christmas, filling their home with the glow of menorah candles, doughnuts, and dreidel games, alongside a decorated Christmas tree and neatly wrapped gifts.

“We partake in all the quintessential British Christmas traditions—the gifts, the turkey, the mince pies,” Rachel stated.

Daniel added, “Hanukkah carries values that resonate with Christmas: family, belonging, togetherness, enjoying abundant food, and sharing love.”

“And let’s not forget Dennis Bergkamp,” he chuckled.

These families exemplify the ways in which many Londoners blend diverse cultures during the holiday season.

As Rachel observes, “London is remarkable for its diversity of faiths and identities.”

“Although schools close for the Christmas break, not everyone is celebrating Christmas.

“It shifts the focus from religion to the celebration of togetherness.”