PUNE, Dec 25: Santas came in all sizes last night. Small, medium, large, and even extra large, they were in churches, at homes, in parties, at departmental stores and even on dance floors with their white beards and red suits, flinging sweets in the air, adding to the Christmas spirit with a merry `Ho, ho, ho!'While organisations like the College of Military Engineering (CME) had the men in uniform letting their hair down to the tunes of the Jetset band through the night, midnight mass was the traditional way to usher in Christmas for all the devout. Churches, brightly lit up and decorated with ribbons and balloons, looked warm and inviting. Mass was preceded by enthusiastic carol singing and towards midnight the strains of `Silent Night, Holy Night' wafted over the city.At St Xavier's Church, the crowds flocked to the beautiful crib with infant Jesus and had a slice of the rich cake and coffee. The City Church lit up to celebrate the occasion drew some of the largest crowds due to its central location. Bishop Stanley E. Downes spoke at the Christmas eve service at Oldham Memorial Methodist Church. For those who could not make it to the church in the night, due to the biting cold, a morning mass was organised at all churches at 8 am.The crib was a must in most Christian homes. Christmas trees festooned with lights, stars and streamers, added to the excitement. It was a time for visiting friends and swapping gifts.Not to miss out on the yuletide spirit, the hotels, department stores and restaurants - right from Chinese eateries to Udupi joints - had sprigs and flowers and Santa Claus much to the delight of children. An enterprising few even had the burly man in red inside handing out gifts to kids.
