Whether you’re a local that’s keen to keep up with the traditions this year or a foreigner who would like to get familiar with local customs, this eight-point checklist ensures you get it right when it comes to celebrating Christmas the Maltese way.
1. Grow vetches (gulbiena) and put them everywhere
The first thing to do anticipating Christmas is grow gulbiena or vetches. These sprouts grown from canary seeds are a popular local Christmas decoration. Scatter soaked seeds on damp cotton pads and place in a dark cupboard. Two to four weeks later, long, white, noodle-like shoots will appear. Keep the cotton damp and do not expose to sunlight or they will turn green. Place this live decoration on window sills and any place the plant can sprawl and hang.
2. Get a Baby Jesus in a manger
A Maltese Christmas is not complete without a Gesu' Bambin. While most tend to be family heirlooms, you can always buy one. Place it in a window or a prominent place in the house. Decorate the area with fairy lights, candles and the traditional gulbiena.
3. Make a Nativity Crib (il-presepju) - or buy one
The nativity scene consists of clay figurines (pasturi) of the Holy Family set in a landscape made from papier mache, stone, wood, cork, cotton wool and so on; these are then hand-painted. You can try making your own or buy a ready-made crib. Add figurines of the Three Magi, a cow and a donkey, sheep and shepherds, and a few angels for good measure. Be sure to include the traditional l-għaġeb tal-presepju - the shepherd who was awed by the beauty of Baby Jesus.
4. Go all out on decorations
If you want to be true to the Maltese style, you can’t overdo it with decorations. Bright blinking festoon lights are a must, although you’re allowed softer fairy lights if that’s more true to your taste. You can add stars, holy images, wreaths, candles, fake snowmen, anything really. Be sure to include a Christmas tree and place Christmas flowers in the windows.
5. Go to Midnight Mass
The Midnight Mass is the highlight of religious Christmas celebrations in Malta. On the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, hordes of locals attend the Midnight Mass. Enjoy a unique sermon given by a child aged 7 to 10, a tradition stemming back since 1883. Afterwards, mingle with the locals on the church parvis and watch local children make a procession through the streets, carrying a statue of Baby Jesus and lanterns, and singing traditional songs.
6. Feast on mqaret and mulled wine in the early hours of the morning
Embrace the cultural tradition and follow Midnight Mass with an early Christmas Breakfast. This can be anything from mqaret (date cakes) and coffee distributed by the priest on the Church parvis to a five-star hotel breakfast that includes champagne or mulled wine. If you prefer something more intimate, you could also invite a few friends and neighbours for mqaret, coffee and mulled wine at 2am at your home!
7. Indulge in an exaggerated Christmas Day lunch
True to the Maltese tradition of expressing love with food, Christmas Day lunch in Malta is akin to a banquet for the entire extended family. The general rule is to offer twice as much food as could feed the members attending the five-course (minimum) lunch. Add free-flowing alcohol to the happy bellies and the recipe is complete. If you’re an expat and didn’t go home for Christmas, collect friends who are also ‘stranded,’ make it a potluck and go ahead with the celebration.
8. Visit your loved ones
Traditionally, Christmas Day is also a time to visit those dear ones who you haven’t shared the lunch table with (for various reasons). Christmas gifts are optional, but a sweet and welcome gesture, even if it is something small, like a bottle of wine. Alternatively, invite friends over for party games, nibbles and drinks (yes, can’t have enough of the bingeing!).
Complete all eight steps on this checklist and enjoy a traditional Maltese Christmas!