House parties, not open ground jigs, are flavours of this festive season

House parties, not open ground jigs, are flavours of this festive season

Until a few years ago, Esparanca Fernandes, a resident of IC Colony, would rush to St Francis ground for a dance programme after the midnight mass. However, with sound restrictions being put into place, the way people enjoy Christmas has changed. Now, dance parties are held indoors. “We have house parties on our terrace or at home,” said Fernandes who has been organising them at his home for the past four to five years. House parties are preferred by a lot of people now. “You can do a lot more activities other than dancing with friends,” said Wendy Watts who lives in Four Bungalows and has been organising parties for the past six years. “Going out is not worth it as you cannot start partying before the midnight mass. There is little time to party after that. By the time you begin to enjoy, the party is over,” she added. Regulars at house parties swear by them. They say such parties can go on till the wee hours and there is no problem of commuting or harassment faced at night. While most people prepare delicacies at home, at some house parties guests are asked to get something. “We have planned secret Santa, where people receive anonymous gifts. The gifts are put inside a bean bag. No one knows who will pick what,” said Joy D’Souza who lives in Andheri.