A Festive Christmas in Lebanon: Celebrating Traditions and Faith

Discover the Unique Customs and Joyous Spirit of the Lebanese Holiday Season

Christmas in Lebanon is a joyous occasion celebrated by both Christians and Muslims. It's a time of religious observance, cultural traditions, and festive celebrations.

Religious Significance

• Midnight Mass: A central part of Christmas is the solemn and beautiful Midnight Mass, celebrated on Christmas Eve.
• Nativity Scenes: Crèches, depicting the birth of Jesus, are commonly displayed in homes and churches.

Festive Traditions

• Decorations: Lebanese cities are adorned with colorful lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees, creating a festive atmosphere.
• Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is a beloved tradition, with Santa Claus, known as Papa Noël, bringing presents to children.
• Christmas Eve Dinner: Families gather for a special meal, often featuring traditional dishes like roast turkey, lamb, or kebbeh nayyeh.
• Caroling: Groups of people, especially children, go caroling, singing Christmas songs and collecting donations or sweets.
• Sweets: Traditional Lebanese sweets like ma'amoul, kellaj, and atayef are enjoyed during the holiday season.
• Parades and Festivals: Some cities and towns organize festive parades and events.

Unique Customs

• Growing Wheatgrass: A unique tradition involves planting wheatgrass seeds a few weeks before Christmas. By Christmas, the grown wheatgrass is used to decorate nativity scenes.
• Christmas Morning Visits: People visit friends and family on Christmas morning, exchanging greetings and enjoying coffee, liqueurs, and sugared almonds.
• Family Gatherings: Christmas is a time for family reunions, with extended families gathering for special meals and celebrations.
• Acts of Charity: Many Lebanese people engage in charitable acts, helping those in need during the holiday season.

Christmas in Lebanon is a blend of religious devotion, cultural heritage, and festive cheer. The combination of traditional customs, delicious food, and warm hospitality makes it a truly special time for both Christians and Muslims.