In Lebanon, Christmas Day is a highly celebrated holiday and is a public holiday meaning that schools, businesses and most organizations are closed. The holiday season is a time for families across the country to gather, share food, and exchange gifts. Many Lebanese, even those who are not Christian, participate in these festivities, showing the unifying nature of Christmas in the country.
Christmas, known as Eid Milad Majid (the Glorious Birth Feast) in Arabic, is celebrated on December 25. The preparation for this occasion starts weeks before. Streets get decked with Christmas lights and decorations, shoppers crowd the markets for gifts, and the delicious smell of traditional foods fills the air. Various ceremonies are held in churches, and children often participate in Nativity plays.
The Lebanese tradition of Christmas is a blend of Eastern and Western customs. At-home Christmas decorations often include a Nativity scene or 'crèche' which is a prime feature. Moreover, on Christmas Eve, many people attend Midnight Mass, an important religious tradition in Lebanon. Following the mass, families return home to enjoy a late night feast, and open presents. Despite the differences in cultures and sects, Christmas is a day for everyone in Lebanon, offering a message of peace, love and unity.