For Elli AvrRam, Christmas has always been more than a festival — it is a feeling rooted in family, tradition and togetherness. Born and raised in Sweden, her childhood Christmases were spent amid snow, grandparents, cousins and cherished rituals. Though Mumbai is now home, the season still stirs a quiet longing for Sweden. This year, however, Elli has turned that nostalgia into celebration, hosting her most heartfelt Christmas yet in the city.Recalling Christmas in Sweden, Elli shares, “Christmas meant the whole family coming together — decorating the house, putting up the tree, even changing curtains and cushions to Christmas ones. The days were filled with carols, singing and dancing, mulled wine, seasonal cookies and muffins, and the joy of exchanging gifts.”
Elli AvrRam celebrating Christmas as a kid in Sweden
Christmas Day followed traditions deeply etched in her memory. “We’d wake up to Christmas breakfast and lunch. At 3 pm, everyone watched special Christmas cartoons on TV. A public figure would light a candle and wish the nation a Merry Christmas — it’s a big tradition,” Elli shares. The day continued with building snowmen, opening presents and ending with a cozy family dinner. In Mumbai, far from snow and gardens, Elli shared, “This is the first year I’ve bought a big Christmas tree and decorated my home. I’ve created my dream Christmas vibe and gone all out,” she says. She’s also making mulled wine on her own for the first time. “It was always something I did with my mom. Now I’ll be serving it to my friends.” Elli added, “Since I’m not going home, I decided to celebrate here — with my friends and my two babies, Charles and Edward,” she adds, referring to her cats. The contrast with her early Christmases in Mumbai is stark. “The first Christmas I spent alone here was extremely depressing. I promised myself I’d never go through that again,” Elli admits. “I had a small tree back then — it wasn’t much fun. But I guess those moments teach you something too.”