hristmas is a special time of the year. The Christian community uses the occasion to introspect, reflect on the past, show gratitude for the present and set resolutions for the future. It is a time of love, kindness and generosity, values that make lives richer, fuller and more meaningful.

It is also a time for new beginnings. Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), reminds people about the importance of forgiveness, kindness and compassion. This sense of renewal prepares them to welcome the coming year with a sense of hope, optimism and excitement.

Late December is also a good time for reflecting on the past year. Contemplation on that front serves as a reminder of all the things one should be thankful for including friends and community. This sense of gratitude helps one stay humble, kind and generous.

The News on Sunday met Nasreen and Noel, two members of the Christian community reflecting on 2024 and preparing to welcome the New Year with hope and anticipation. They shared their personal stories of love, loss and resilience.

Nasreen Maseeh, a nurse by profession, said that last Christmas was merrier than this one. “The happiness is marred this year because my mother, who I was close to and considered a pillar of strength, passed away this year. Last Christmas, we had celebrated together but she’s not with us this year,” she said.

Reminiscing about her mother, Nasreen said that she had been an iron woman. “She was a wonderful mother. Merely discussing problems my with her would give me clarity, remove troubles from my path and make things tolerable,” she said. “I would simply ask her to pray for me and God, through her, would help me. It was as if she was a channel to Him.”

“There were times I would feel bad about burdening her with a litany of complaints. Over the last few years, she was bedridden but still there for me. Maybe out of habit or compulsion though, I always shared my issues with her. Afterwards, I would feel light as a feather - as if a weight had been lifted from my chest,” she said.

Nasreen said that, growing up in a Christian household, she was taught the importance of faith and spirituality during the holiday season. “My family would attend church services, participate in prayer and reflection, helping to instill in me a deep sense of reverence, wonder and awe for the sacred story of Christmas,” she said.

Nasreen said that she was grateful that her line of work allowed her to help others. “God helps those who help others,” she said.

“I spent 14 years looking after an elderly lady. I would often leave my young children at night to help and assist her,” said Nasreen, “My children were only 4-5 years old at that time. I was treated with care and respect. I developed a bond with the elderly woman and became a part of her household. I was there when her grandchildren were born. I watched them play and grow up,” she said.

At the same time, she would long for her own children and family, said Nasreen. “Sometimes I felt like I had to choose between my career and motherhood. This is a cruel choice. I would often return home late from work, my children would be asleep by then. I felt like I was missing out, especially on days when I’d come home exhausted and go to bed right away,” she remembered. Nasreen credits her husband for being very supportive and the children for understanding but there was a constant ache inside.

Then, the inevitable happened. The elderly lady Nasreen was taking care of passed away. It came as an emotional shock to her and no amount of professional training or attempts to compartmentalise her thoughts helped her in her grief. “Bonds forged over long-term association do that to a person,” she said.

This also meant that Nasreen was now unemployed. “I’m looking for an opportunity to support my household. Even procuring basic necessities is becoming harder by the day. I do not want my children to suffer,” she said. “I’m hoping that the New Year treats me and my family kindly and is more favourable.”

Noel Fancis works in a company in Lahore with an international presence. He returned to Karachi after four years to celebrate Christmas with his siblings, relatives and friends.

He said that, for four years, he had spent the Christmas with his wife and children but this year they were alone in Lahore, except for a few colleagues. “We eagerly wanted a reason to spend the festival in Karachi with our family,” he said. “I was looking forward to this holiday season to connect with loved ones, take part in festive traditions and create new memories.”

“Every Christmas, my parents would decorate the house, cook traditional meals, exchange gifts and lay a lot of emphasis on family bonding and spiritual reflection,” he recalled. “After they [parents] passed away, we started gathering at the house of one our siblings for breakfast, lunch or dinner to reconnect and cherish our lives.”

“This year a recently married cousin hosted our entire family at her house for a Christmas feast,” said Noel. “It was a lovely experience. The laughter and conversation around the dinner table, the warmth and love that filled the room and the sense of connection that came from sharing the special meal together was something,” he said.

“As we welcomed a new member to our extended family, it felt like passing the torch to a new generation. From next year onwards, we’ll be celebrating with five family members, making the occasion even more joyous.”

Talking about practicing Christianity in Pakistan, Noel said that he felt safe but was not unaware of tragic incidents in which his community was targeted. “I’ve never personally felt threatened - not for myself, my family, or even our extended family - in my 45 years. On the contrary, I am witnessing increasing interfaith harmony and acceptance. More people are exploring and embracing traditions from different faiths in Pakistan, which is truly heartening. People accept us with an open embrace,” he said.

Reflecting on 2024, he described it as “an amazing year,” marked by significant professional growth and success. “A highlight of the year was when my director sent Christmas gifts for the family ahead of the holiday season - a thoughtful and lovely gesture.”

Noel expressed optimism about the country’s progress, acknowledging that numerous positive developments were under way. “Although,” he noted, “…the pace of improvement is slow, I’m still hopeful about 2025.”

“I pray that the coming year will bring with it a renewed sense of momentum, propelling our nation towards greater prosperity,” said Noel.

The writer is a senior reporter at The News