For Bollywood actress Elli AvrRam, the Christmas season evokes a powerful blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. Born and raised in Sweden, her childhood was defined by white winters and large family gatherings. Now calling Mumbai home, she has masterfully blended her cherished Nordic traditions with the vibrant spirit of her adopted city, creating a uniquely heartfelt celebration this year.
Roots in a Snowy Swedish Christmas
Elli AvrRam's fondest memories are steeped in the traditional Swedish way of celebrating the festival. Christmas in Sweden was an all-encompassing family affair, marked by specific rituals that created a warm cocoon against the cold. The entire household would transform, with decorations, Christmas-themed curtains, and cushions setting the scene. The centerpiece was, of course, the Christmas tree, decorated with care.
The days leading up to the celebration were filled with music, baking, and anticipation. "The days were filled with carols, singing and dancing, mulled wine, seasonal cookies and muffins, and the joy of exchanging gifts," Elli recalls. Christmas Day itself followed a deeply etched schedule: a festive breakfast and lunch, followed by the national tradition of watching special Christmas cartoons on television at 3 PM. A notable public figure would then light a candle and wish the entire nation a Merry Christmas, a moment of collective joy.
The celebration would move outdoors for snowman building and gift exchanges, culminating in a cozy family dinner. This structured yet joyful routine formed the bedrock of Elli's understanding of the holiday spirit.
Building New Traditions in Mumbai
Her early Christmases in Mumbai presented a stark contrast. Elli admits her first solo Christmas in the city was "extremely depressing," a experience that led her to vow never to repeat it. A small, lonely tree did little to lift her spirits. However, this year marks a significant and joyful turning point.
Driven by a quiet longing for her Swedish roots and the decision not to travel home, Elli has proactively crafted her own festive paradise. For the first time in Mumbai, she has bought a large Christmas tree and fully decorated her home, consciously creating her "dream Christmas vibe." She is also embracing culinary traditions, attempting to make mulled wine on her own—a task she always shared with her mother—to serve to her friends.
Her family circle in Mumbai now includes her close friends and her two beloved cats, Charles and Edward. By bringing people together and recreating the sensory experiences of her childhood—the decorations, the aromas, the togetherness—Elli is writing a new chapter for her Christmas celebrations.
From Nostalgia to Celebration
Elli AvrRam's story is a beautiful testament to adapting cultural roots to new environments. She has moved from a place of loneliness and nostalgia to one of active creation and celebration. She has transformed her longing for Sweden's snow and family rituals into a vibrant, personal tradition in Mumbai.
Her journey highlights that the core of Christmas—the feeling of warmth, togetherness, and shared joy—can be cultivated anywhere. While the backdrop has changed from snowy gardens to Mumbai's urban landscape, the essence remains intact, proving that home and holiday spirit are ultimately what you make them.
