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Nous du Collège - N 298 - Mars 2023
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hristmas is a time for family reunions, for dinners. The feast, usually on the night of the 24 is
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Cfamily bonding, renewing friendships. People a memorable and much-awaited family night filled
worldwide celebrate the season in many ways, with laughter, delicious delicacies and desserts
following their beliefs and customs. Christmas is and lunch on the 25 , is a big one. The family
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a time to celebrate. The spirit of Christmas is in gets together at both meals, and some have the
the togetherness, the thinking about others, it’s a leftovers from the dinner for lunch the next day.
selfless time when we forgive, take stock of what’s Most Lebanese Christians stick to the tradition of
important and become better versions of ourselves. celebrating Christmas mass at midnight on the
The code of generosity, kindness, and charity toward 24 . Churches are lit and filled with reverence and
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others is enforced by no one other than us. There are devotees. The traditional offering for Christmas
places where this code is strong, and these places is sugar-coated almonds. Roast turkey staffed
and people are said to have a true Christmas spirit. with chestnut or with rice and meat is the most
People who have a Christmas spirit are cheerful and common choice of meal. Roasted duck, Lebanese
happy about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. salad (Tabbouleh) and pastries are common. Beirut
Another way people demonstrate their Christmas celebrates Christmas by conducting glamorous and
spirit is by caroling, by giving gifts and decorating big Christmas parties. Western- style poinsettias,
for the holiday. community Christmas trees, and Christmas lights
Regarding traditional Christmas gastronomy, the are very popular.
actual meal consumed varies in different parts of the December finally arrives and the city is sparkling
world with regional cuisines and particularly former again with gorgeous Christmas decorations lighting
British colonies. The meal shares some connection up the streets, indicating the holiday season is just
with the English Christmas dinner involving roasted around the corner. No one celebrates this joyous
meats and pudding. The Christmas pudding and and wonderful season like the locals. In Lebanon,
Christmas cake (Bûche de Noël) evolved from this Christmas markets are a must-visit. These annual
tradition. In countries without a lengthy Christian events across the country lighten up the towns with
tradition, the Christmas meal may be more heavily an amazing atmosphere that lifts the spirit. Let’s not
influenced by popular culture. An example of this is forget Christmas concerts and songs which reign
Japan, where a KFC takeaway meal is traditionally throughout the season. The uplifting and soothing
consumed. Lebanese Christians celebrate Christmas music also resonates everywhere you go, getting you
into the festive spirit. People spend hours immersed
in the joyful vibes, enjoying the food, the decorations,
and the music, and taking advantage of the goods
and treats offered by local businesses. Aside from
the breathtaking Christmas decorations lacing the
streets of Lebanon, the famous Nativity scene is also
seen around the country to commemorate the birth
of Jesus.
I believe we should be mindful of the fact that
Christmas is never complete without heading up to
the snowy mountains at least once during this cold,
festive season to enjoy the snow and have fun. And
always remember that
“The true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart and
the magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in
the Lord’s presence.”
Tatiana Aouad & Jovie Abou-Antoun Grade 10.6
