ISLAMABAD: Children gathered at a Christmas Market set up at the Serena Hotel, sang carols as the Weihnachtsmann (the German Santa Claus) distributed sweets to them.

The Embassy of Germany had organised the market featuring authentic German delicacies, stalls with crafts and artisinal products from Pakistan.

Christian Ziese, the German military attaché, said: “We have had a wonderful dedicated team of German and Pakistani volunteers who have spent time and effort making this possible.”

He added that the German Santa had flown all the way from Germany on a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ticket.

The German Embassy staff had delicious cakes, chocolates and cookies at their stall.

H.E. Alfred Grannas, the ambassador of Germany, said: “It is a pleasure to host the Christmas Market for the first time since 2019 and for the first time, outside the Diplomatic Enclave, making it more accessible. I would like to thank the stall owners and the donors who have contributed towards making this event a success.

“With this bazaar, we want to welcome the merriest time of the year, especially for all those away from their homes. Christmas is all about sharing our joy. This is why the proceeds from this event will be donated to families in need.”

With the usual plethora of shawls and dry fruit stalls, the event also had higher end gift items such as hand-stitched rillis, silver jewellery and paintings. The thirty-odd stalls displayed a range of Christmas articles, glassware, handicrafts, children’s toys, candles, leather goods, metal ornaments, dry fruit, advent wreaths and other decorations.

Saadia Wajahat, from Glassaic, said: “We brought 100 percent hand painted glass items and marble mosaic work. I have been participating in different events including those at the Foreign Office and various diplomatic missions such as the Canadian, British, United States and German embassies. This year’s event, organised by the German embassy is a wonderful experience. The embassy coordinator was very cooperative and caring. We would love to participate in the next event again.”

Fayyaz Ahmad, from Rogan Wax Art, said: “It was a wonderful day and I got many new contacts. People enjoyed seeing demonstrations of the wax art.”

Children’s choirs including MOM’S Kids from St. Faith’s Home, the International Children’s Choir of Islamabad and Mary & Sisters Trio performed Christmas carols during the event.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2022