For all those who read this post and observe Christmas, Merry Christmas! May this day bring joy, peace and happiness to your life. May you be spending the day with those most special to you and cherishing each others company. In Saudi Arabia, Christmas is typically just another day. Christmas falls on a Thursday this year which is also a weekend day. But there are no colorful displays, ornaments or other evidence of this day. One will not readily see Christmas lights and decorations adorning businesses or residences or gates of residences – unless one observes Christmas and lives on a Western compound. It is kind of ironic for the neighboring GCC countries do have evidence of the existence of Christmas. In Bahrain one can buy Christmas decorations, some even with a desert theme. Christmas trees are also available for sale too. Bahrain is not the only country. Even Kuwait, which can be equally conservative as Saudi Arabia in some ways, will have overt signs of Christmas. But, the longer one lives in Saudi Arabia, the more one becomes accustomed that typical practices in Saudi Arabia will be unique to the Kingdom and its ways.
Many Saudis will be aware that it is Christmas and will not hesitate to wish Christmas greetings to expats whom they may know. Many Saudis will not object to expats enjoying their celebrations as long as they are done discreetly and away from offending eyes who may find the practice distasteful. But for most, Christmas will not only be a quiet affair but just another day in Saudi Arabia.
Filed under: America, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Living, culture
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. Peace, joy, happiness, and friendship to all.
I am always pleased to hear those of other faiths join in greetings whether it be Merry Christmas, or Eid Mubarak. Interfaith good wishes are an expression of our common humanity and the elevation of our spirits to which all these holy days aspire.
I have received more Christmas cards and greetings from
my Muslim friends in the Middle East than from my Christian
friends here in America
Valerie
LOL! That is funny and sad at the same time!
anthrogeek10
Peace and blessings to all!
I Wish U and UR’s a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New year!!
Or…just a good ‘ol Happy Holidays!!
Happy Holidays!
Yes Bahrain does sell Christmas trees. I know this because my family just smuggled one across the border yesterday after spending a few days in Bahrain on vacation. Bahrain is fun to go to around Christmas time since there will be decorations up in a lot of places and its very festive. I even noticed in one of the Newspapers that a few of the Hotels were doing Caroling Hours that everyone was invited to join in and sing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I saw a very subtle indication of the Christmas spirit in Riyadh. The Saudi British hospital is located on King Fahd road and it has two happy snowman and lots of snowflakes as well as icicles and snow. It may not be Christmas per se but it does I think remind everyone what time of the year it is.
But more significantly perhaps and blew my mind is that I learned the Ikea store in Riyadh sold artificial Xmas trees this year as well as Christmas ornaments and Christmas crackers. I believe this is a BIG first and was very surprised to learn this. Privately such as on compounds and other discreet places Christmas oriented items may be sold but I was not aware of a public establishment doing so in KSA.
Merry Christmas!
It’s funny you write this as I was just joking with my fiance (Saudi) that they should introduce lights and decorations for Eid or Ramadan! Thought it might be fun, after he spent his first Christmas in Australia… No snow flakes or snow men here though! A rather warm and sunny Christmas day!
Actually the Kingdom is usually brightly lit for Eid and during Ramadan too although the primary theme of lights at least is white and green. However in some areas beautiful lit decorations such as traditional lamps and coffee pots will be on display at malls, along roads and in some cases, even in people’s homes.
The UAE has some signs of Christmas but how I wish I could go home where there is actually some sort of Christmas spirit rather than be here.
At least my boss gave me the day off
“Even Kuwait, which can be equally conservative as Saudi Arabia in some ways”
Kuwait is no way as conservative as Saudi Arabia.
Samiulla – welcome and thanks for your comment. I guess just like with Saudi, it depends what aspects of a country one is exposed to in regards to culture and traditions to how conservative it is or is not.
Last time I checked (a week ago) the guards on the bridge were double searching all vehicles specifically for Christmas supplies/decorations and confiscating everything. I’m amazed anyone got a whole tree in. I even had to hide my box of cards under the package of bacon skillfully wrapped up with a “lamb” label. Decorations at IKEA in Riyadh amazes me!! What a sad commentary. But I admit there are those in America who want others to be miserable too.
but now we, here on American Bedu, want peace and happiness!
What spoilsports, and how unfriendly, to begrudge people a bit of private cheer!
did you get to keep your cards?
PS, love the palm-christmastree, and the reindeer!
smuggle in a tree why bother. You can usually find one at the well known craft store in the ’secret’ room. Or simply have one shipped in with your belongings, label the box artificial tree, or break it down over several boxes even the ornaments, label it in a way which it indicates something other than what it is. Only thing they can do is confiscate it.
I’ve been back and forth over the bridge moving things from one house to another and don’t get searched at all
Valerie–What a nice gesture that your Muslim friends send you Christmas greetings. Some years my Christmas card ratio has been the same. And the only times I have prepared Christmas dinner myself, all the other guests were Muslims. In fact, they were involved in the initiation of the dinner and preparation.
David and Andrea–thanks for sharing a glimpse into expat ruses aka positive coping strategies.
Ryan–sending you snowed-in white “Merry Christmas” vibes and greetings
Aussi girl–Merry Christmas, and send some heat this way.
Aafke–agreed. Peace and happiness to the American Bedu blog community.
American Bedu–Thank you for the topic. I love hearing about Christmas (or not Christmas) around the world, and about Eid celebrations in different countries. I have spent the holiday season in a variety of places, including at a resort in Thailand where they made every effort to be “seasonal” without being religious–decorations, cultural celebration, carnival. A great solution for the mixed guests Thai and foreign, non-Christian and Christian. Fortunately, the weather was hot and sunny, and the beach beautiful!
PS I also loved the photo!
Nzingha–ditto the thanks for sharing a glimpse into expat ruses aka positive coping strategies.
Chiara thanks but please send sun and sand as in Australia, christmas for me is beach, barbecues, food, drink and family!
Yeah it is also nice when my muslim friends and colleagues wish me a merry christmas here.
Ryan–oops, revised vibes: white as in sand, sunny as in solstice, and merry as in
“beach, barbecues, food, drink and family”!
merry Christmas to everyone celebrating it…
Miriam
Your points were all well-taken, especially as in my understanding of Islam Allah ultimately judges belief over behaviour, although good behaviour is rewarded. Eg, a believing alcohol-drinking Muslim would be saved where a non-believing abstainer would not. (The more knowledgeable than I or the more avid cutters and pasters could find the exact references I am sure–smiles)
oops, wrong thread (nephew begging me to play with the Wii Santa left under the tree)>
After leaving the above comment I went to the living room to sit with my parents. We were having green tea together. I found out that we have a Christian maid, and my parents gave her the day off. She went to visit others from her country, and to celebrate Christmas with them.
Last week at the univ, some people said to me merry Christmas, and some asked me first if I celebrate Christmas . I said that I don’t celebrate it, so they just said to me happy vacation . I found it nice from both. BTW, I received a Christmas card from a friend this year — it was the first ever Christmas card I receive.
Your parents are very kind and good Khalid!
I have also noticed many Saudis providing a small gift to Christian colleagues and friends which I think is very nice.
Your mention of Christmas cards reminds me of when I lived in Pakistan and how many beautiful Eid cards I (and other colleagues) and not all recipients were muslim but the gesture was very much appreciated and cherished.
Seasons greetings to all.
Blog is very well written indeed.
Kudos for the great job.
Thank you Samiulla and seasons greetings!
I am a little surprised. I had friends living in Saudi (on a compound) about ten years ago. They told me it was completely forbidden to celebrate Christmas and that people could get in trouble for doing so (I’m not sure where they were). Have things changed? Or is it different in different parts of Saudi?
In my Muslim country, it is a moderate one, and even churches are allowed (as long as they serve foreigners and are not involved in converting Muslims to Christianity).
I, too, received Christmas well-wishes from Muslim friends in my country.
Regards,
Expat 21 (in the Middle East)
expat21.wordpress.com
Expat21 – I remember last Christmas spending time with a friend on a western compound. The majority of the villas were decked out with Christmas lights and one would see Christmas trees prominently on display in the front window. The clubhouse of the compound also had a huge and beautifully decorated Christmas tree. So regarding compounds, I think it really depends where one lives and what the differing regulations are. However from what I have been told, the custom of celebrating Christmas is more relaxed now in Saudi Arabia.
I spent time Christmas Day at a hospital in Riyadh and noticed that even a Saudi patient had a beautiful Christmas cake delivered to the nurses who were taking care of him. I thought that was a lovely gesture illustrating tolerance and peace of differing cultures and customs.
I also found out
that my sister and bro-in-law gave entire section at their home to their Christian maid, and asked her to invite her friends during Christmas. They helped their maid in providing the food too. Our maid was invited .. I found that is so sweet from them. Last Eid my profs gave it to me off — I liked it that he was aware of my holidays ..
You have a beautiful family in every way Khalid!!
expat 21 I would venture to say it was about what compound they lived on and who owned it. Some compounds owned by certain saudi companies (private, hospitals, or schools) do not allow christmas decorations or any other holiday displays. Other places that aren’t associated with any particular company and are catering to westerners they have not only decorations but events cattering to various holidays. On our compound we get christmas cakes. Thank goodness they stopped the fruit cakes, those things went straight to the trash.
Now Aramco is a whole other deal, that is like having a little america inside Saudi. And they have no restrictions on christmas decorations, they have parties and events all about christmas but that is a whole other world.
Well, we can’t change the religious people thoughts, can we?!
Merry Christmas to all!
If you go Tamimi Markets (aka Safeway) you will find the common US Xmas products, such as confectioneries with festive wrapping, special flavors of Coffee Mate (Pumpkin spice, etc), and other imported American foods that specific to the holiday. These were even being hold at the beginning of the month. So even in Saudi Arabia you can enjoy an overly commercialized holiday by buying products.
Happy holidays.
You’re quite right Fat al-Bort. I made sure to visit Tamimi near the American Thanksgiving and was able to stock up on quite a few products that I realize are only stocked once per year! So even though I’m in KSA, my family was able to enjoy some of our old traditional foods!
Expats seem to be Tamimi’s main audience. Over the summer break, I couldn’t find many of imported US products which they’re usually stocked with, such as IBC Root Beer, or even things like US beef. They told me the reason was that most Americans are out of the country at that time, so they don’t sell these products, and sure enough, when people started to come back for work they started to stock up on.
I would say that particularly for Western diplomats Tamimi is the supermarket of choice as it is most familar. Guessing here, I would think Danube is more of a popular choice for expats from Europe.
I lived in Taif, S.A. in 1974 and a couple of things come to mind in reading this blog. First of all, not only did we have Christmas decorations in our Rec. Center, I found an arab who had a friend, who had a
friend who owned a camel. And I was actually successful in getting said camel to arrived to carry
Santa on Christmas Day!!
And the other story is when we were attending a Christmas party during which time our music must have been a bit too loud and someone called the
local police. When they came out, Walt, my then husband and the host went out to talk to them. And my husband told me that outside the gate, there were besides the police, a couple of bedouins, complete with staff and sheep, dancing up a storm!
While living there, we respected the Arab holidays and they did likewise. We had a very good working relationship.
Jeanie Siler Barnett
(I was at that time known as Genie and the Magic Carpet) for anyone who lived there, way back then…..
Jean,
Thank you for sharing your lovely experience! I do hope you will add more comments sharing your experiences.
A great story. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your thank yous. I could literally write books on my experiences while living in Saudi Arabia.
Even though it was many years ago now, it still stands out as some of my most happy memories.
From day one, it was totally different, i.e. it snowed in
Riyadh on New Years day!! People there had not seen snow and they even allowed the children to stay out of school to play in the snow. No it wasn’t enough for it to cover the ground, but it still was the first time
many of them had ever experienced seeing snow fall from the sky.
We started out by living in Alkhobar. Many interesting experiences there; but eventually ended up living in the village (not in the compound) of Taif. I loved it and
the people, from the day we arrived!! It was like living in Biblical times. We were in a Villa that a prince had built for his mother but when she did not like it, Northrup leased it and it ended up our home. And right behind the Villa, in the evening, you would see
camel caravans trapsing across the sands. You saw
Bedouins complete with herds of sheep, right there at the gate to your villa. The people there were so gracious.
Our shipment from the states was lost; 5500 lbs. and
thus all of the Christmas decorations that we had packed were in that lost shipment. But because of that, we made homemade decorations out of bread dough art, stringing popcorn and berries. We had an
art exhibit at the Rec. Center and one of our ladies
made a spun sugar Christmas train which was a
work of art! And as I mentioned in my earlier blog,
we had Santa arrive on a camel. Now where else
could you do that?!! I am now 74 years old and that
Christmas was one of the most memorable ones I
have ever had!!
If you were part of our fun Northrup family, please write and tell me who you are and where you are. I
have, unfortunately lost track of most all of my friends
that I made there.
from Genie and the Magic Carpet
It is so wonderful to hear of such times which depict such a different Saudi Arabia of today. If one lives on a western compound there is more flexibility towards allowing one to openly practice their own cultures and customs but today there does not seem to be the same tolerance as you have described. It is beautiful to hear of such experiences. Most western expats of today usually do spend much time isolated to compounds due to the necessity of current environment and will not have had the opportunities of going to a village let alone living in one and seeing the beudions in the natural state and habitat as such. I do hope you are reunited with many from the Northrup family.