Saudi Arabia: Celebrating Christmas in the Kingdom
Christmas may not be as widely visible in Saudi Arabia as in other parts of the world, yet it is not impossible to celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia.
Celebrations may need to be low key or held in private places but they do take place. Some Saudi employers also recognize that their non-Muslim employees are far away from families during the Christmas season and will help arrange or turn a blind eye to a Christmas party.
Western compounds generally resemble a small Western village during the Christmas season with villas decorated with flashing lights and a Christmas tree in the window. Santa is even known to make appearances at the Western compounds.
It is common for bakeries in the Kingdom to carry Christmas cakes which many Saudis like to present to their non-Muslim friends.
Some shops will have gifts which have an obvious Christmas cheer to them decked out in red and green wrappings. Other little shops may even have Saudi style Christmas ornaments such as camels which may say "Christmas, Riyadh 2011."
An expatriate should never assume that it is okay to openly celebrate or decorate in a public office as seen in the States. Christmas decorations are generally frowned upon in public areas which get a lot of traffic. However some expats are encouraged to decorate a private conference room and hold a holiday celebration.
When I was in Saudi I attended holiday celebrations where both expats and Saudis were gathered. It was a pleasure sharing such a tradition with Saudis.
My husband and I always respected and shared each others traditions regardless of where we were located.
In closing this post, here is a fun link to use and send holiday greetings to friends and family.
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