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Christmas in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Submitted by CdninSaudi

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Jeddah

How long have you lived there?

10 Years

If locals celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah where you are living now, how is it celebrated differently?

Being a muslim country, Christmas is not openly celebrated here.

If locals do not celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah (and you do), what do you do for the holidays?

We have had many happy Christmases here with friends. We have managed to build up a large supply of Christmas decorations and music. We buy a turkey and invite friends over. The last couple of years we have joined with friends for a BBQ at the beach.

Do you mix your own traditions with those of your expat location? If so, describe.

We mix our own traditions with those of friends, and being Canadian, the hot weather is something to adjust to as well.

What is your favorite thing about celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah in your overseas location?

What we love most about celebrating Christmas in Saudi is that we have leisurely family time in the morning (as opposed to driving in a blizzard to try to accommodate grandparents)and relaxing time with friends in the afternoon. No drama, no baggage being dredged up from childhood! It's nice to go home once in a while for Christmas, but it's nice to spend it here, too.

Beside family and friends, what do you miss from home during the holidays?

I miss the decorations on the streets and in the malls, and the Christmas music and carol services that we enjoy at home.

How is New Year's typically celebrated in your expat location?

All the large compounds have New Year's Eve parties with dinner and dancing. It is a beautiful time of year to be outside in the evening as it is not too hot and humid.

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