Christmas in Islamabad

It might seem strange to celebrate Christmas in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, but December 25th is a holiday for everyone here. In truth, it is not Christmas that most Pakistanis celebrate but rather Mohammad Ali Jinnah Day (the birthday of the founder of Pakistan) - but it's a reason to enjoy nonetheless.

The following is some advise from another on how to enjoy the Christmas fare that we assume is not available in Islamabad:

Christmas decs in Kohsar (2 stalls and London Books). More and more each year……. Lights also. Paper at London Books (better than Sayed Book Bank) Christmas cakes in UB (not our fruity kind – but happily decorated, and make good presents for staff) Mince Pies ditto (but look like the Chicken Patties and are made of Puff pastry) Gingerbread men in French patisserie and UB Essagees has Christmas chocs,turkeys,puddings,Panettoni breads,mince pies and mince meat for pies. Viennese cookies from Heidi. Turkeys from Qureshis and Essagees in Kohsar. Carol CDs from Illusions, Radio City. Present ideas: Leather jackets from Flash in Jinnah,Pashminas from any craft shop in Super, DVDs from Illusions, Radio City or One Shop. Candles from stall in Kohsar,embroidery from Behbud, Hookahs from Shams (also chocolates) Towels embroidered for Christmas from Bed and Bath in Jinnah (I kid you not ‘Joy to the World’ in gold on red and ‘Happy Holidays’ in gold on green) Chinese jumpers from Silkomania and associated shops. Fashionable! Also Casmere from Nepal from the craft shops in Super. Shams in Super does Christmas Crackers,Christmas chocs. Toy shops in Super, also right next to Haroons which does quirky little presents which are good for stockings and amusement. The wood shops do nice boxes for jewelry which you can have engraved with names of recipient in brass. Jewelery – nice semi-percious from Punjab Museum near Illusions. Gold/Silver from Silver House, Libra and associated shops. Cards – you’re too late …but London Books do them anyway