Saudi Bridget: Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I hope you will be a return visitor. Yes; when my spouse and I were not in the Kingdom we would still celebrate Eid to maintain the tradition although of course it was not the same as being in the Kingdom with all of his extended family present. For some reason I felt more homesick this year than last year but my family has been great and I’ve received many beautiful calls these past few days.

It is good to see that you have found a balance. Oh, I get asked that all of the time. “Did you convert to get married”? As if my wife’s family would have accepted that? I converted years before we married.

I come from a German background and I have found ways to celebrate my upbringing and background and keep it within Muslims standards. I still have “Gluhwein” but I do it with cider instead of wine. I love my Bratwurst, so it is a good thing the local German deli has them in beef, veal and Turkey.

No need to give up most things when you become a Muslim. After all, one of the grat things about Islam is it’s universal nature.

When I lived in Europe I always enjoyed going to the Christmas markets, even after I converted to Islam. My last year there I made sure to visit the one in Aachen, and hit the one in Nuremberg as well. The first place I visited in any city I visit is the local churches, synagogues and mosques. I love religious structures, especially historical ones.

Hanie — How lovely…and you reminded me that my family would also have similar open houses…and of course from my own foreign service days it was common to have open houses as you identified and invite others regardless of nationality, religion, culture to share in special events and further learn from one another as well as just enjoy the beautiful friendships.

I also have a few foreign friends here who married the locals but still celebrate Christmas. I think they do this not based on Christianity but due to tradition back home where family and friends gather and enjoy each other’s company.

As a convert to Islam I do not celebrate Christmas, but it sure has nostalgic feelings for me from back in my childhood. The lights and the presents are something I remember fondly.

I remember the Midnight masses. The last one I attended was about 11 years ago at church in Cambridge England. I loved the service and the plumes of incense floating in the air.

Ibraheem — welcome!

Mrs. Quiggs — Happiest of holidays to you! And yes; my spouse and I have combined the holidays of our traditions and heritage. We do continue to celebrate Christmas amongst each other and with friends and family who also celebrate. And it is typical for Christians to greet muslims with Eid Mubarak on the Islamic Eid holidays as well as for Muslims to greet Christians with Merry Christmas. There are some from various faiths who do choose not to acknowledge each others practices of course. When we were in the States my spouse fully experienced our traditional Christmas and one year when work took me out of the USA over Christmas my spouse volunteered for the stocking stuffing honors and did a wonderful job! By participating or contributing in no way takes away from ones primary faiths and beliefs.

In regards to the New Year, we have enjoyed celebrating with friends but usually at home; We’ve never chosen to go out for the New Years. We’ll reminensce about the year and its accomplishments, make predictions for the upcoming year.

I’m glad you enjoy my blog and I in turn enjoy your comments!

Hanie — I love hearing the experiences of the Malayasian culture from you and happy to hear that festivities have made their way to you as well. Thank you for the kind Eid greetings which I also return to you along with Happy New Year, Happy Holidays!

So, do you presently celebrate any part of Christmas? I ask this question sincerely, from the cultural aspect rather than the religious. Do you greet other westerners with “Merry Christmas”? Has your spouse ever experienced a western Christmas? Do you celebrate the New Year? If so, how do you celebrate?
I really enjoy reading your blog. I find it very well written and interesting.