Andy Williams describes Christmas as “the most wonderful time of the year”, and we may have to agree with him on that. As the weather is growing colder, our Christmas spirit is slowly awakening.
It is never too early to start putting up the Christmas tree, litter your house with twinkling lights, or listen to Mariah Carey at full volume.
Here are 12 things you can find in a Lebanese household during this joyous time:
Christmas Decorations
The Lebanese are known for their reputation of going big or going home, especially when it comes to Christmas.
Their houses are usually lined with red stockings, dazzling fairy lights, and a gorgeous Christmas tree decorated with various ornaments and tinsel that set the tone for the holiday spirit.
Christmas Carols
Speaking of decorating, this household beautification is not complete without blasting Christmas carols and songs such as “Laylet Eid”, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, or “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
Advent Calendars
The moment the first of December arrives, it’s time to finally open the first day of the advent calendar and enjoy the pieces of chocolate goodness leading up to Christmas day.
Christmas Crackers
You know it’s Christmas in Lebanon when you see gold, silver, or red crackers lining the plates of the Lebanese dinner table, and you are tempted to break them apart right then and there to see what secret gift you’ll get.
Mouth-watering feast
Christmas is the time to love… and eat. Prepare to gain a lot of weight and fall into a food coma after consuming delicious Lebanese dishes and delicacies, complete with a bottle of fine wine.
Bûche de Noël
After the mouth-watering feast, make sure to leave room for some heavenly dessert. No Lebanese household is truly complete without the chocolatey goodness of the traditional Bûche de Noël, adding extra festivities in your stomach and on the dinner table.
Meghle
Bûche de Noël is not the only delicacy necessary for Christmas dinner, but so is the sweet, spice-filled meghle, topped with coconut and almonds that will surely leave you wanting more.
Maamoul
Nothing screams “Christmas” like a rich, date/pistachio-filled traditional Lebanese cookie sprinkled with icing sugar that will satisfy your sweet tooth until Easter.
Family Gatherings
Aside from the beautiful Christmas decorations, catchy Christmas songs, and appetizing food, family gatherings are a staple during this wonderful time.
There’s just something about the house being filled with joy, laughter, (and the occasional gossip) that warms up this cold season.
Family Photoshoots
Is it really Christmas if you’re not documenting the blissful and heartwarming moments this festive time has to offer? Who wouldn’t want to keep photographs of the family wearing ugly sweaters with reindeer antlers?
Santa
Red suit? Check. Whitebeard? Check. Large bag that is stacked with several gifts? Check. Lebanese strive to go the extra mile to make Christmas special, even if it means fighting over who gets to put on the Santa costume to gain laughs and smiles from the rest of the family!
Christmas Movies
It is only appropriate to take advantage of Netflix’s wide selection of Christmas movies during this month. Enjoying classics such as “Home Alone,” “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “Elf” are essential.
