The Christmas Pune’s youth want – simple, spiritual and full of heart

Vaz also shares that this year’s preparations are intentionally different. “Instead of youth-only events, we’re involving families, Sunday school kids and elders” he said. What excites him the most this year is the Blanket Drive, which he calls “an experience that has changed all of us.” He added, “Walking through the streets at night, meeting people who genuinely need warmth and seeing how even one blanket brings relief- it has changed our perspective on Christmas completely.” For him, the balance between festive fun and meaningful work is important. “Christmas has become noisy and commercial, but we want to bring the focus back to the values behind it. Outreach keeps us grounded,” Vaz added.

From getting trends mixed with tradition and rustic Bethlehem-themed decorations to late-night blanket drives and visits to mourning families, the youth groups across parishes are reshaping how they are preparing for Christmas.
(Express photo)

At Infant Jesus Church, 23-year-old Youth President, Delissa Fernandes echoes the same desire for deeper meaning. “Today’s world is full of rush and noise. We want to bring back the essence of a quieter, more reflective Christmas,” she said. Their decorations follow a rustic, natural feel, recreating the journey of Mary and Joseph and the simplicity of the manger. “We don’t just want people to see Christmas but we want them to feel it,” she added.

Instead of focusing only on large celebrations, the Infant Jesus youth group is prioritising connection as Fernandes said, “This year we are visiting the sick and elderly for carols. We want to make sure that they feel remembered, loved and part of the family.” For her, the core meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed by parties, gifting, and the rush of the season. “Christmas has shifted to gifts and parties, but the story reminds us that simple and humble beginnings matter. That’s what we want to bring back,” she added.

Fernandes adds that their long-standing tradition of house-to-house carols continues, but this year they are introducing a vibrant Christmas Fest which is on December 20, to bring families together. “The aim is unity. When we prepare together, something beautiful happens,” she added. She believes that the youth can make a real impact simply by being present. “Sometimes giving time and attention matters more than gifts,” she added.

At St. Xavier’s Church in Chinchwad, Youth President, Ryan Fernandes, 29, says their preparations focus on personal connection. “We are visiting every home to spread joy the way the angels shared the news of Jesus’ birth,” he said. This year, the youth are also visiting families who are grieving or going through difficult times. “We want them to know they are not alone and we are with them,” he added. Fernandes believes the festive season often becomes commercial and detached from its quieter meaning. “We get casual with what Christmas really means. So we are reminding ourselves that it’s about humility, gratitude and renewal,” he said.

At Our Lady Consoler of the Afflicted Church (OLCA) in Pimpri, 25-year-old Vice President, Priscilla Bhalerao said that their parish theme this year is “O.L.C.A: Oasis of Love, Comfort and Assurance” which guides everything they do this season. “The Youth group is setting up a crib based on the theme, coordinating carols and taking a live crib and Santa to different neighbourhoods. “This year we planned more responsibly as each youth member has a clear role and our coordination is stronger than ever this time.” Their new initiative includes visiting families in need, offering prayers and spending time with those who may feel forgotten during the festive season. Their tradition of youth-led crib-making continues, while this year they introduce a dance for the parish procession float.