A personal reflection on the Christmas carol “Silent Night,” Christmas traditions and the true spirit of the season.
The music of Christmas is unlike any other.
It carries joy and excitement, yet at the same time it humbles and quietens the heart. It can be loud and celebratory and still deeply peaceful. For me, Christmas music has always held this beautiful balance and perhaps that’s why, even after all these years, my favourite Christmas carol remains Silent Night.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright…
There is something about this hymn- the melody, the words, the stillness it carries, that gently paints the nativity scene in my mind. A cold winter night. A young mother. A fragile infant. No noise except perhaps the sounds of the stable animals. No celebration as the world understands it- just quiet holiness. Every time I hear it, my heart feels both peaceful and yearning at the same time.
Christmas carols and childhood memories
In most churches across India, Christmas carol practice sessions begin as soon as December arrives. Growing up, carols were not just about singing- they were about community.
In my home church in Delhi, caroling was almost an event everyone looked forward to. Certain homes in each area were selected where neighbours and church members would gather. While the elders busied themselves with arrangements, the children had the time of their lives running around, talking endlessly, laughing freely.
We would all dress in our best clothes and wait for the most exciting moment of the evening.
And then, at a particular hour, we would hear the carol singers approaching. From a distance, the soft ringing of bells, the singing and clapping would slowly grow louder. Amongst them- always unmistakable- was a moving red silhouette. Once they settled in, the priest would announce the Good News: the birth of Jesus and the message that salvation was now open to all through Him.
That announcement always felt sacred.
Christmas cheer multiplied
Then came the music- loud, sudden and full of life! In a closed house packed with people, the sound of instruments and voices felt magnified. I remember being startled every single time they began. And yet, within moments, the entire house would be singing together with joy and Christmas cheer.
The red silhouette, of course, was Santa Claus- the undisputed hero for the younger children. He danced, made funny moves and showered everyone with toffees. For us older ones, the real game was guessing who was behind the mask- recognising them from their walk, gestures or the way they interacted with people.
Those little details made the evening unforgettable.
After about half an hour, we would all then sit down to enjoy a simple dinner and some chukku kappy (black coffee flavoured with dry ginger)- soothing, comforting and perfect for tired throats.
Looking back, it all feels beautifully simple.
When Christmas feels different
As the years pass, I’ve noticed that my joy in joining carols has slowly begun to change.
I still look forward to meeting people. I still love announcing the Good News, moving from house to house, singing together as a community. That part remains special.
But I sometimes find myself struggling with another aspect. The large, elaborate dinners that follow each day of caroling. I know its a common practice and while I completely understand that carolers are tired and hungry by the end of a long evening, I can’t help but feel a quiet contradiction.
We often call this season a time of fasting, yet we sometimes end it with lavish meals. It feels a little confusing, at least to me.
There’s also an unspoken pressure around financial contributions during this season. What is meant to be a simple, joyful get-together can sometimes begin to feel heavy and that weight can slowly take away from the joy of caroling.
I share this as a gentle reflection, not a criticism.
Perhaps Christmas is inviting us once again- to pause.
To remember that the first Christmas was quiet, humble and uncomplicated. That the greatest gift arrived not amidst abundance, but simplicity. That joy does not always need extravagance.
For me, Silent Night continues to be a reminder of that truth.
And maybe, as we sing carols and celebrate together, we can keep asking ourselves, not critically, but prayerfully- how we can preserve the simplicity, sincerity and shared joy that Christmas truly stands for.
Which Christmas carol holds the most meaning for you- and what memories does it bring back?
I’d love to hear your stories.
Happy Christmas to you and your family!
(This reflection is adapted from the “Christmas Memories” section of my book, Around the Christmas Table, available on Amazon.)
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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