During Christmas season, Kerala comes alive with a large number of carol groups that visit homes in their localities. While churches undertake carol visits to the parishioners’ houses, many local clubs, organize carol services and visit houses in the locality irrespective of their religious affiliations. These groups belt out devotional songs proclaiming the arrival of Infant Jesus. While the quality of music may leave much to be desired, the inherent energy levels are invigorating.

It is normal for carol groups to have amongst them a ‘Christmas Appooppan’, the Keralite Santa Claus. Since copying Santa is not yet violative of intellectual property rights, Kerala has its own version of Santa referred to as ‘Christmas Father’ or ‘Christmas Appooppan’, scantly resembling his western cousin just in the mask and robe. It’s a common practice in the local parish for someone to assume the role of ‘Christmas Appooppan’ and accompany the Carol visiting homes. In olden times when everybody knew each other in the parish, ‘Christmas Appooppan’ would strike up conversation with the family members during the visit and offers solace to anybody in need or in grief, advises the youngsters at home and offered hope for future.