Here in Riyadh, Christmas is celebrated similar to the olden times when Jews were once forbidden to held festivites pertaining to any Christian belief.
Anyone caught helding a feast would immediately be thrown into prison or worst executed by being live fed to the lions!
Although not that morbid, we can only get together quietly on the winter eve of Dec 24th inside hosted parties, celebrating the birth of our Lord with warm food that are a feast to one's pallate.
Being with friends who throughout the years had filled our days with everyday experiences that made living in Saudi Arabia less melancholic. Bonds renewed, friends turned to extended families, gift giving, having fun amidst a slight fear of being raided by the Moral Uphelders or Mutawas, but nevertheless once you see your friends, such fear would immediately vanish from your mind.
Two more weeks, winter is getting colder and colder day by day, and missing Christmas back home with our families were not that hard anymore.
Looking forward to another wonderful Christmas time in Saudi Arabia. I wonder where's my gift under Ivy's tree? Hmmm...
hi, thanks for telling us about christmas in Saudi Arabia! I lived in Israel for 7 years, and although we didn't have to celebrate in secrecy I understand what its like to have to be careful. my dad started working in Saudi Arabia just recently- i'm excited to hear about it from him.
ReplyDelete-a sister in Christ