Christmas Day is here, and in Scarlett Rose's home in Margao, Goa, the festivities are already vibrant and full of life. The air is rich with the scent of celebration, featuring crispy fried bow kulkuls, soft bolinhas, and a freshly baked plum cake. This festive spread sets the stage for a truly grand and memorable celebration.
A Cherished Family Celebration
For the Goa-based model, actor, social media influencer, and entrepreneur, Christmas is all about being with close family. Her most treasured moments revolve around her nana, Jovita Dionisia Da Costa Correia. "Waking up on Christmas morning to the aroma of bebinca and dodol filling the house, with church bells ringing in the distance, is my most cherished memory," Scarlett reveals. The celebrations begin on Christmas Eve with the family attending Midnight Mass dressed in their finest attire. "I love visiting the traditional Christmas cribs people make across South Goa," she adds, highlighting a beloved local tradition.
The Heart of the Festivities: Nana's Goan Sweets
No matter how hectic her year is, Scarlett ensures she returns to Goa for Christmas. The season is officially announced in her home by the comforting smell of coconut, jaggery, and spices. This is the quiet signal that her Nana has begun her annual labor of love. The MTV Splitsvilla 7 winner describes the process with affection, noting her grandmother prepares the Goan sweets using time-honored methods, measuring by feel and guided by memory.
The gentle sounds of steel vessels and slow stirring define the unrushed ritual. As neighbours drop by, tins are filled with sweets and stories are exchanged. "Those sweets were never just food; they were her way of passing on warmth, tradition, and love," Scarlett says, lovingly plating the homemade delicacies.
A Festive Feast Centered on Tradition
Christmas lunch is a highlight, featuring Scarlett's favourite Goan chicken curry. This is a recipe passed down through generations, taught to her directly by her grandmother. "It’s not written anywhere; it lives in taste, smell, and instinct. Every time I make it, it feels like home," she shares. The festive table is built around this slow-cooked, coconut-rich curry, served alongside Nana's yellow pulao, local vegetables, and sometimes fried fish.
"It’s simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying," Scarlett states. For her, the best part of Christmas Day is the simple joy of staying home, talking, and laughing with her nana.
South Goa vs. North Goa: A Personal Perspective
When asked to choose between South and North Goa, Scarlett offers a balanced view. "Growing up in South Goa feels like home — quiet lanes, familiar faces, and serene beaches. I love slow mornings and peaceful nights," she explains. However, she also appreciates the vibrant energy of North Goa. "North Goa has its own charm too — vibrant, colourful, and full of energy. I enjoy the city life there, with its events, art exhibitions, and great restaurants and bars."
