By Qamar Bashir
During my four years in Kuala Lumpur, France each, and now in the USA, I have been
privileged to experience the profound joy and festive spirit of Christmas. In countries
with a predominantly Christian population, Christmas transcends being merely a one-day
or three-day event; it is a season-long celebration that permeates every facet of life. From
the grand gestures of governments and corporations to the heartfelt efforts of small
businesses, neighborhoods, households, and individuals, the Christmas spirit is truly
ubiquitous. Cities come alive with dazzling lights, ornate decorations, and bustling
Christmas markets, while music, caroling, and acts of kindness fill the air with warmth
and cheer.
Our Christmas experience in Europe was truly unforgettable—a magical journey that
began well over a month before the actual day. The festive spirit swept across the
continent like a joyful wave, with government municipalities entering a spirited
competition to outshine one another in illuminating their streets and adorning roadside
trees. Every corner seemed to sparkle with radiant lights, transforming cities into
enchanting wonderlands.
In Paris, along the legendary Champs-Élysées, a makeshift Christmas market sprang to
life, exuding charm and warmth. Family-run businesses from across the region set up
vibrant stalls, each brimming with unique treasures. The air was filled with tantalizing
aromas of homemade regional delicacies—warm mulled wine, buttery pastries, and
spiced treats—inviting everyone to indulge in the culinary traditions of Christmas. Stalls
showcased a delightful array of Christmas-themed items: hand-knit sweaters, intricately
crafted ornaments, heartwarming souvenirs, and other essentials that encapsulate the
holiday spirit.
The energy was contagious, as people from all walks of life came together to celebrate.
Couples strolled hand-in-hand under the sparkling lights, children’s laughter echoed as
they marveled at the decorations, and friends gathered around outdoor heaters, sharing
stories and joy. It wasn’t just about the shopping or the food; it was about the sense of
community and togetherness that Christmas brings. The streets seemed alive with a
shared purpose: to celebrate love, generosity, and the joy of the season.
This immersive experience captured the very essence of Christmas—a celebration of
light, hope, and human connection. It was a heartwarming reminder of how this beautiful
tradition can bring out the best in humanity, weaving magic into the fabric of everyday
life.
The Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower naturally became the epicenters of Christmas
celebrations in Paris, drawing in locals and tourists alike in vibrant hordes to revel in the
magic of the season. Families and friends strolled these iconic landmarks, basking in the
glow of dazzling lights and soaking in the unmistakable Christmas spirit that seemed to
hang in the air like a warm embrace. The sights, sounds, and aromas of the season created
an atmosphere so enchanting that it felt as though the entire city had transformed into a
living fairytale.
One unforgettable Christmas season, we were fortunate to visit Geneva, Switzerland—a
city that seemed to embody the very soul of the holidays. The Christmas market was a
sight to behold, with stalls that radiated warmth and charm. We wandered through its
festive labyrinth for hours, relishing the local delicacies and savoring the unmistakable
flavors of Swiss tradition, all while carefully ensuring to avoid non-Halal offerings. The
twinkling lights, snow-kissed surroundings, and the hum of joyful chatter left us
spellbound, etching those moments into our hearts forever.
Now in Detroit, Michigan, we’ve found ourselves immersed in the festive charm of the
upscale neighborhoods in Macomb County. The Christmas spirit here is nothing short of
infectious. The local administration sprang into action a month before the holidays,
adorning the trees lining the streets with mesmerizing lights in a myriad of colors and
patterns. By evening, the view transformed into a magical spectacle, a magnetic display
that could draw even the most indifferent passerby into its festive embrace.
The homes in this neighborhood seemed to compete in their dedication to the season,
with families pouring their hearts—and fortunes—into elaborate displays. Caroling
figurines, glowing Santas, and signs of Christian faith adorned almost every yard,
creating a mesmerizing patchwork of light and color. Walking through these streets at
night was like stepping into a dream. The decorations welcomed visitors with their
bewitching beauty, stirring feelings of warmth, joy, and togetherness, and amplifying the
true essence of Christmas. It was not just a celebration of the season but a heartfelt
expression of community and faith—a testament to the enduring magic of this special
time of year.
The United States boasts numerous festive hubs renowned for their extravagant
Christmas celebrations, each offering a unique blend of tradition and spectacle. New
York City is a hallmark of holiday magic, with the Rockefeller Center's iconic Christmas
tree, ice skating rink, and dazzling Fifth Avenue window displays drawing millions. In
Chicago, the Christkindlmarket transforms Daley Plaza into a German-inspired
wonderland of crafts, treats, and warm mulled wine. Leavenworth, Washington, a
Bavarian-style village, feels straight out of a snow globe, complete with carolers and a
grand tree-lighting ceremony. Charleston, South Carolina, offers a Southern twist with its
Festival of Lights, while San Antonio's River Walk dazzles with illuminated pathways
and boat parades. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, aptly named "Christmas City," brims with
charm, markets, and live nativity scenes. From coast to coast, these festive centers
embody the joy, warmth, and magic of the Christmas season, making them must-visit
destinations for holiday enthusiasts. Statistically, the Christmas season is one of the most
celebrated holidays globally, with approximately 2 billion people participating in some
form, showcasing its universal appeal. In the USA, the season contributes significantly to
the economy, generating an estimated $900 billion in retail sales annually.
An equally heartwarming aspect of Christmas is its deeply rooted philanthropic spirit,
which shines brightest during the holiday season. Across the United States, malls,
markets, and government initiatives set up special facilities to encourage well-to-do
families to donate generously to Christmas funds and charities. These funds serve as a
beacon of hope, ensuring that the joy of Christmas reaches everyone, including children
in orphanages and families living below the poverty line. In 2022 alone, Americans
donated an estimated $500 billion to charitable causes, with a significant portion directed
towards holiday-focused programs.
Christmas delivers a timeless message of love, reaching far and wide, spreading hope,
happiness, and the warmth of togetherness across the globe. It is a call to action for
compassion, urging us to take responsibility for not only our own lives but also the well-
being of others. The spirit of Christmas inspires us to build a world where kindness
prevails, where differences dissolve in the face of mutual respect, and where the joy of
giving becomes a cornerstone of our shared existence.
