This holiday season, Christmas celebrations across the globe carry the weight of conflicts, with towns traditionally filled with joy experiencing muted festivities. Global wars and unrest have robbed many areas, especially Bethlehem, of the usual holiday spirit.
For the second consecutive year, Bethlehem, deeply intertwined with the Christmas story, faces despair as it prepares to commemorate the festive season under the shadow of the war in Gaza. According to the Associated Press, nearly 45,000 Palestinians have lost their lives amid the conflict, and as the festivities approach, there are almost no tourists visiting the city. Rony Tabash, owner of the Nativity Store, expressed the sentiments of many, stating, "Last year before Christmas, we had more hope, but now again we are close to Christmas and we don’t have anything." The absence of the city’s iconic giant Christmas tree, traditional marching bands, and twinkling lights casts gloom over what is typically one of the most joyous times of the year.
This year’s challenges are compounded by the continuing war, which has lasted almost 15 months. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has halted tourist inflow, and the local economy, heavily reliant on the Christmas season for revenue, has suffered dramatically. Bethlehem usually sees around 70% of its income from tourism, but this year’s hotel occupancy fell sharply from 80% to just 3%. The streets often resonate with the hustle and bustle of visitors, but as Christmas nears, Manger Square remains eerily empty, reflecting how drastically the region has changed. "We have witnessed a very high rate of emigration since the beginning of the aggression... especially among those working in the tourism sector," Jiries Qumsiyeh, spokesperson for the Palestinian tourism ministry, warned, highlighting the precarious situation facing local families.
The hope among residents is palpable, though. Father Issa Thaljieh of the Greek Orthodox Church shared his heartfelt message, stating, "A church without Christians is not a church… We have to wait, we have to be patient, we have to pray, and we have to stay with our roots because our roots are in Bethlehem." Even as families face hardship, some are determined to create moments of joy. Nihal Bandak, for example, chose to bring back the Christmas tree tradition for her children this year, reflecting resilience amid suffering.
Across the border, Christmas spirit thrives differently amid the backdrop of conflict. Wadi Nisnas, the main Christian neighborhood of Haifa, showcases festive decorations as residents prepare for Christmas with joy. After months of suffering due to Hezbollah's rocket fire, the stately Santa Claus statues, colorful lights, and vibrant displays reflect the community's resolve to celebrate. Father Yousef Yakoub from St. Lucas Maronite Church commemorated the uniqueness of this holiday, remarking, "Christmas means God is not forsaking humanity." With the war with Hamas instilling fear and loss, the return of community celebrations feels especially poignant, not just as expressions of faith but as symbols of resilience.
This year, universal symbols of unity—Christmas trees, Hanukkah menorahs, and Islamic crescent moons gather together during Haifa’s “Holiday of Holidays” festival, symbolizing coexistence among different faiths. The mayor’s spokesperson acknowledged the bittersweet sentiments prevailing among celebrants, saying, “But all the time, we’re keeping the hostages in our prayers, longing for their return.” It’s within these celebrations capturing the essence of hope and awareness of shared humanity—something pivotal during these times of distress.
Meanwhile, Senegal witnesses its local toy makers experiencing high demand, showcasing how communities find joy through culturally relevant celebrations. Although primarily Muslim, Senegal enthusiastically embraces Christmas. Awa Gaye, co-founder of the toy brand Yeewu, mentioned, "She couldn’t see herself reflected in the toys she played with. So, we decided to create a brand,” depicting her daughter's influence on local entrepreneurial spirit. This Christmas market season is marked by family gatherings and lights illuminating Dakar, symbolizing joy shared across cultures.
Other entrepreneurs like Racky Daffé and Fatimetou Diop experience burgeoning interest as they innovate to produce toys reflecting Senegalese culture and identity, emphasizing the withstanding relevance of community-driven work.
While global conflicts continue to impact Christmas celebrations, the resilience shown by communities of all faiths — from Bethlehem’s mournful reflections to Haifa’s sparkling lights and Dakar’s cultural markets — showcases not only their commitment to retaining joy but also their quest for peace amid adversity. The act of celebrating, weaving festive traditions with heartfelt sentiments, proves to be integral amid uncertainties. Together, they inspire hope, urging the world to embrace unity and strive for brighter days.
