Today, Christians around the world who follow the Western calendar celebrate the glorious Christmas with festivities that spread from the East to the West, following days of preparations involving shopping for gifts and preparing Christmas dishes that vary according to different traditions and cultures. After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed daily life and prevented families and loved ones from gathering on all occasions, the holidays this year arrive with a sense of cautiousness due to the dismal economic conditions that have emerged, particularly in Europe, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its negative repercussions. Despite these difficult circumstances, people strive to seize moments of joy from celebrations and put smiles on the faces of their children and loved ones.
From Palestine to Lebanon, where holiday spirits have not diminished despite the economic collapse, and across Europe, particularly in Britain, and in China which remains gripped by fears over the COVID-19 spread—with some cities still under the virus's shadow—authorities in Shanghai urged residents to stay home to minimize the festive celebrations amidst rising cases of COVID-19 following the lifting of strict restrictions. A branch of the health committee in the Shanghai Municipality called on young people specifically to avoid large gatherings that facilitate the transmission of the virus as temperatures drop.
So how has the holiday spirit manifested? Can the lights and carols of Christmas erase the sorrow, poverty, and fear that afflict many people around the world? In Bethlehem, specifically the birthplace of Christ, adorned in its new festive attire, decorations have flourished in Manger Square and various streets and neighborhoods. The Christmas celebrations began yesterday (Saturday) according to the Western calendar, with the arrival of the Christmas procession from the Latin Patriarchate at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem to Manger Square in Bethlehem, where hundreds of citizens gathered around the beautifully adorned Christmas tree, and hundreds of scouts marched in various uniforms, playing Christmas carols.
Hanna Hanania, the mayor of Bethlehem, told Reuters in the church square: "Life has returned to Bethlehem after the COVID-19 pandemic, and we tell everyone that the city is safe and welcomes all to come and celebrate the glorious Christmas and visit the Church of the Nativity and other religious and historical sites."
**Christmas Magic in Britain**
Despite economic inflation in Britain and the suffering of thousands from poverty, Christmas in London has a special magic. During this time of year, the Christmas lights alleviate the dullness of the cold, dark weather, transforming the city into a winter wonderland, sparkling with festive decorations and beautifully adorned Christmas trees. Markets spread in every corner of the capital, and Christmas songs echo high in the air. Various activities in London embody the festive spirit, from strolling through the "Christmas Market" that attracts locals and tourists alike, to the largest outdoor ice rink in Britain and a multitude of food stalls featuring dishes from around the world, along with numerous Christmas events and activities loved by both children and adults.
**Festive Joy in Lebanon**
For the first time after the pandemic subsided, life has returned to Beirut, as if the Lebanese wanted to put all their crises behind them and celebrate. Loudspeakers broadcast Christmas songs everywhere, and Christmas markets welcome thousands of visitors in various areas of Beirut. Parties, carols, joyful bell ringing, and Santa Claus welcoming you wherever you go marked the festive season. Lebanon has not witnessed traffic congestion like this in years, as Beirut is alive with shoppers, expatriates, and tourists, flooding the streets with cars that continue well into the night and bustling markets filled with pedestrians.
The Christmas tree in Jbeil, which every year gains widespread popularity and has received international awards in previous years, has returned in a new guise. The Christmas tree was lit in the Roman Square in the city, and families returned to the crafts city for the annual Christmas stroll that cannot be missed. Each city has its own market, Christmas tree, and celebrations. In Dhubieh Village, a towering tree was raised, and the celebrations did not cease, filled with songs, dances, and shopping. Similarly, at the "Forum de Beirut," the "Christmas in Action" exhibition was held, with visitors enjoying what was described as the largest Christmas market, which closed two days ago. This large, diverse, and rich market is in its tenth edition, organized in collaboration with various entities, including food markets and the Ministry of Tourism.
With the exchange rate of the dollar reaching nearly 47,000 Lebanese pounds on Christmas Eve—a historically record high for the Lebanese pound—Lebanese people felt the weight of expenses. Nevertheless, people insisted on continuing their celebrations as best as they could, adjusting the types of gifts and foods on their Christmas tables. Everyone did what they could to ensure the occasion went as they hoped.
Flights carrying travelers continued to arrive at Beirut Airport until late last night, as many expatriates were keen to spend the holidays with their families, partially helping to rescue the economic situation, increase hotel occupancy, and significantly boost restaurant activity.
Christmas remains a family occasion, while tourists see the holiday as an opportunity to visit the mountains and stay there for several days. Lebanon, from north to south, celebrated Christmas. In the town of Qbayat in northern Lebanon, the traditional silk factory hosted a Christmas village launched by the "Insan" Foundation, providing all logistical and administrative requirements for this week-long festival, which started on the 19th and continues today, offering local and artisanal products alongside an array of food and daily entertainment activities for children.
In the north as well, many towns in Akkar held a series of festive celebrations for Christmas, where Christmas trees were illuminated in the squares, and several Christmas villages opened their doors, allowing families from the villages to participate. Decorations lit up along the seaside corniche in the city of Tyre, accompanied by Christmas carols played by civil defense music, and families collectively participated in this occasion.
