Children come out after visiting the St. John Cathedral Church illuminated with lights ahead of Christmas celebrations in Peshawar. —Reuters

Preparations for celebrating the festivities of Christmas are at its peak with focus on setting up Christmas trees and its decoration as the main symbol of festivity.

The Christian community decorated Churches and their colonies with lights, colourful posters and Christmas trees to celebrate the occasion.

A barber serves a customer in a Christian colony in Islamabad. —AFP
An illumined view of Christian locality in Islamabad, decorated with colorful light on the eve of Christmas. —INP

The colourful and decorative look of the tree creates more attraction and the members of Christian community decorate the evergreen coniferous tree, real or artificial, as a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas.

All the major markets across the country displayed the collection of trees in various sizes depending upon the demand of the people who decorate these trees with different ornaments.

An illumined view of Christian locality in Islamabad, decorated with colorful light on the eve of Christmas. —INP
People walk past Christmas decorations displayed in Islamabad. —AFP
An illumined view of Christian locality in Islamabad, decorated with colorful light on the eve of Christmas. —INP

These ornaments include baubles, small bells painted gold or silver, stars of different shapes and sizes, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons made from glass, metal, wood and ceramic.

The festivities will commence on midnight with services at all the churches across the country. The Christmas carols will precede the prayers service for peace and solidarity.

The colourful and decorative look of the tree creates more attraction. —INP
A Christmas tree decorated in Christian locality in Hyderabad. —INP

Special prayers for the integrity, solidarity, progress and prosperity for the country will also be offered.

Social functions and family gatherings would be organised later in the day. There will also be visits of old-age houses and orphanages on the occasion.

Security forces have made comprehensive security arrangements on the eve of Christmas and special deployment will be ensured at Churches and public places.

People walk past Christmas decorations displayed in Islamabad. —AFP
An illumined view of Christmas tree near Christian locality in Islamabad. —INP

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