Baking my first plum cakes gave me a new Christmas high: Noel Sean

Christmas has always been Noel Sean’s favourite season, but this year, it tastes a little sweeter. Beyond the traditional prayers and family bonds, the actor-singer added a personal touch to his celebrations by baking for his loved ones for the very first time.

From nostalgic stories of his “first Santa” to hosting a festive bash for his closest friends, Noel shares with Hyderabad Times how his celebrations have evolved while keeping faith at their core.‘Christmas was about faith first, then celebration, growing up’ Growing up in Hyderabad, Noel says Christmas was once a quiet, spiritual occasion at home. “My parents were quite strict, and we spent a lot of time praying at home.

But by the evening, it would turn into pure fun — watching our favourite movies, playing with friends, and soaking in the festive vibe.” Reflecting on how his celebration of the festival has changed over the years, he adds, “While faith still remains at the heart of Christmas, the way we celebrate it has evolved.

Today, the joy of the season also comes from decorating the tree, baking cakes, and spending quality time with friends.”

‘Trying my hand at baking made this Christmas extra special’ What truly set this Christmas apart for Noel was his decision to bake cakes for the very first time. “This year, I wanted to try something new — I baked cakes for the first time,” he says. “My friend Sunaina, who’s a baker, guided me through the entire process. I ended up making three plum cakes. The aroma while baking was such a joy, and I loved watching the cakes rise in the oven.

Decorating them with nuts on top was a fun experience too.

From start to finish, the baking and decorating took about an hour and a half, and I absolutely loved it. I think I’ll be baking more in the future. I gave one cake to my mom — she was so happy when I told her I made it for her. Another I gave to Srivalli mam, and the third went to one of my closest friends,” he adds.

‘I’m celebrating Christmas with my friends this year’When asked about his Christmas plans this year, Noel says, “This one feels extra meaningful because I’m inviting a lot of friends over to celebrate.

The newly married couple, Rahul (Sipligunj) and his wife Harinya, will be coming. Rahul and I share a very special connection, and our bond is something I truly cherish. Celebrating Christmas with him this year will make it even more memorable, and I’m really looking forward to it.

‘One of my fondest X-mas memories is with the Keeravani family’Noel, who has worked closely with music director MM Keeravani on films such as Vikramarkudu and Baahubali, looks back on a fond Christmas memory that has stayed with him over the years. “One of my sweetest memories are from my early twenties. Srivalli mam, Keeravani sir’s wife, was like my Santa Claus. Her gifts were always thoughtful and personal, and I used to wait for them every year. That’s why she’ll always be my first Santa Claus,” he says, adding, “That excitement around Christmas gifts never fades. The happiness of sharing and receiving gifts is a big part of what makes this season so special.”