This is the last of my Christmas Greetings series. The holiday is so magnanimous, so magical, so whimsical, that it deserves a series, wouldn’t you agree? 

You’re there, it’s Christmas Eve. You’ve done most of your holiday shopping, I say most because many leave it till the last minute, cutting it too close. The ambush of friends and family flying in from abroad to Lebanon has left you all kinds of overwhelmed with emotions and with plans alike.  

You’ve enjoyed the outings to bars, restaurants and Christmas markets. Probably watched the World Cup Final at a sports bar, even if you’re not a fan like me, and enjoyed the electrifying expressions of passionate and genuine enthrallment. Which is to be honest the major appeal for me. 

It is a pure delight to rekindle bonds that have been dimmed by the distance, see faces close to our hearts and bask in their physical presence, which no amount of video calls can compensate for. 

At this moment, you’re in the comfort of your own home or a relative’s. Both sides of the family, the mom’s and dad’s, host a dinner or a lunch the next day. As tradition would have it, you’re wearing something spanking new. Better make sure it’s stretchy, with a lot of give, as Joey from the TV show “Friends” would say. The delicious Christmas dinner feast is a sight to behold, and a worthy opponent for any stretchy material. The Christmas Turkey, basted to perfection, is the star of the show. She is in good company with yummy appetizers, salads and the pièce de résistance, the “Bûche de Noël”. The meal is devoured in the warmth of this family gathering, sipping on wine, and sitting elbow to elbow with some relatives you might only see on occasion. This is where the interrogations come in.  

What’s new with your job? How are your studies? “Emtin la7 nefrah mennik/mennak? Those types of questions are to be expected, so you better have the answers all prepped and ready to go. 

The intrusive inquisition aside, the night is veritably enjoyable. Some Christmas Carols are a welcomed touch to drown out that loud relative we all inevitably have. 

Church at midnight is an unmissable tradition for many. I’ll have to admit that I skip it more often than not. A peculiar custom in lots of Lebanese towns that I just became aware of, (literally just hung up the phone with a friend), is waiting till after midnight mass, after the birth of Christ, to have Christmas dinner. Imagine that. After prayer, all families gather in the church’s sitting room to drink wine and mingle awhile before heading home to eat at long last. Instead of the turkey, which I wouldn’t trade in for anything, they dine on Barbecue meats, chicken, and most notably Kebbe. 

Last but most certainly not least, the night is capped with unwrapping gifts if you can still manage to keep your eyes open. Kids being there sure does bring more joy to the whole picture. Santa makes his appearance, puts on a show with his red velvet bag filled with goodies, bearing presents for the many naughty and few nice. Everyone’s a winner on Christmas.  

Something we like to do after the loved ones have bid their goodbyes is put on a Christmas classic, Home Alone mainly. And I fall asleep to the familiar cherished movie. 

Whichever way you celebrate, I wish you a cozy, heart-warming, belly-filling, and soul-feeding evening.  

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!