Christmas Day in Jordan is a public holiday and a joyous celebration amongst the Christian communities nestled within the largely Muslim country. The country prides itself on its religious diversity and harmony, thus Christmas is respected and acknowledged by all its citizens. The celebration, held annually on the 25th of December commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is characterized by unique traditions and festivities that distinctly bear the country's cultural imprints.
The celebration of Christmas Day in Jordan starts much earlier, with the beginning of Advent in late November which leads up to the day. The preparations involve decorating homes and public places with lights, stars, and nativity scenes. Jordan's Christmas traditions include attending a midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The services are mainly held in Arabic, but some churches offer English services. After the service, people return home to enjoy a special feast with their families, often featuring traditional Jordanian cuisines and Christmas sweets.
In Jordan, gift-giving is a significant part of the Christmas celebration. Families and friends exchange gifts, often after the midnight mass. Especially in Amman, the capital city, some children hope to receive gifts from Santa who is said to drop presents under the Christmas tree. Moreover, Jordanian Christians tend to emphasize on charity on Christmas day, visiting the less fortunate and distributing food, clothing and toys. The Christmas season thus melds religious observance and festive celebration into a period rich in cultural and humanitarian values.