President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas. In her message, Mrs. Patil said Christmas was a time of great joy, cheer, hope and happiness. She said Christmas proclaims Lord Jesus Christ's message of love and sacrifice, compassion and service, courage and humility, peace and harmony.

In Capital Delhi, churches have organised special mass in the evenings to celebrate the arrival of the son of God. Markets, Shopping malls are well decked up on the eve of Christmas. A last minute rush to decorate homes and Christmas trees can be seen in different parts of the city.