Growing up, Christmas was always more than just a holiday in my family—it was a season of flavors, fragrances, and treasured traditions. My grandfather owned two of the first bakeries in West Bengal. And he baked wonders for everyone from local families to Italian missionaries stationed nearby. The bakeries closed down before I was born, and my grandfather passed away when I was 2. But the stories and tales from the past is what set the foundation for my deep love of all things Christmassy.   Today, cake mixing ceremonies feel like a comforting bridge between the past and present—a tradition that lets me savor the magic of Christmas all over again. So, when I heard that Kenilworth Hotel was hosting its “Merry Mixing” ceremony to kickstart the season, I couldn’t resist.

Kenilworth Hotel, nestled in the bustling heart of Kolkata, where the city’s colonial architecture meets modern energy, has always fascinated me. This hotel is an elegant mix of Calcutta’s old-world charm with a dash of millennial spirit. Walking into the venue felt like entering a Christmas wonderland, as if the holiday spirit itself had come alive and invited me in. From every corner, festive decorations glowed warmly, and tables were laid out with Christmas-themed delights that were as beautiful as they were delicious.

The cake-mixing area was a sight to behold. A long, well-arranged table brimmed with bowls of dried fruits, nuts, aromatic spices, and bottles of brandy and rum. This particular mix of ingredients, marinated and left to age, will be baked into rich, dense fruitcakes just in time for Christmas. Watching the ingredients get tossed together was a delightful sensory experience. Everyone took turns mixing, laughing, and soaking up the shared joy of the season. In that moment, I felt like a giddy child, caught up in the magic of it all.

And then, there were the macarons. I’m a sucker for good macarons, and the ones at Kenilworth tasted as exquisite as the ones my sister sends from Paris. Soft, flavorful, and perfectly balanced—they were a highlight for me and an unexpected treat in this Christmassy affair.

 

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Cake mixing itself is a tradition rooted in history. Originally, it was a way to preserve the harvest’s bounty by soaking fruits and nuts in alcohol. Over the years, it’s evolved into a prelude to Christmas—a way of bringing people together to share in the holiday’s warmth, anticipation, and giving spirit. In colonial India, fruitcakes became a staple of British Christmas traditions, and today, cake mixing is celebrated in luxury hotels, adding a festive flair to this ancient practice.

Kenilworth Hotel added its own unique touch to the celebration, blending its refined colonial charm with a cheerful, modern approach to hospitality. It’s not just a hotel; it’s an experience. The staff was warm and welcoming, and the ambiance was elegant yet homely, embodying the essence of Kolkata itself—a city that’s rich with life, art, and culture, always offering a feast for the senses. At Kenilworth, this vibrancy translates into everything from the beautifully decorated event spaces to the cozy accommodations.

For anyone lucky enough to stay, Kenilworth Hotel promises more than just a bed and meals; it offers an oasis of comfort with touches of luxury. With its retro-chic amenities, impeccable service, and a spectacular array of dining options, the hotel is a haven in the middle of Kolkata’s chaotic charm. Positioned strategically close to major transport hubs, it’s perfect for travelers exploring the City of Joy.

Leaving the hotel after the Merry Mixing, my heart was full. I couldn’t help but feel grateful for moments like these, where traditions are celebrated and memories are made. Each year, I look forward to Christmas with childlike wonder, and Kenilworth’s cake mixing was the perfect way to begin the season. It  wrapped me up in a modern yet nostalgic celebration. And I’m already counting down the days until I can return to that holiday wonderland next year.

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