KUWAIT: "Christmas day without Christmas tree is not Christmas at all, it is unthinkable to celebrate the holidays without the tree being adorned and lit up with it''s glittery tinsels and colorful bits and pieces which depict characters of the festive season," Kuwaiti Business woman Sana M. told Al Watan Daily.
In Kuwait, not only expatriates put up trees in their homes but locals are often seen shopping for holiday decorations such as different sizes of trees, assorted colored balls, glittery garlands and other holiday characters to decorate homes. Al Watan Daily spoke to locals as to what importance is the tree during the holiday season.
"My house helper brought home a small Christmas tree purchased downtown Kuwait City. It was decorated with different colored lights, which she kept in her room. My children would always end up every night in her room admiring the small tree and the lights, till one day I was out shopping with my kids and decided to pick up a tree and decorated it myself. I had no idea of what the Christmas tree means to Christian believers but as for me the tree could symbolize peace and harmony among different nations and races and for at least once a year, my family could partake in such celebration, in the same way that Christians have a very high regard and respect for the Holy Month of Ramadan and the Eid Celebrations. I will continue the tradition each year and hopefully I could purchase better decorations next year," stated School coordinator Hanan O.
Similarly, Engineer Khalid K. said that he met his wife in US seven years back and eventually got married and settled in Kuwait. "She never missed a year without putting up the tree every December. Although every year my wife and kids would return home but the tree will be up by the beginning of the month. Some of the ornaments were bought from US and some were from here. Kuwait has transformed into a country, which allows the open practice of different religions and somehow, this openness allow each one of us to experience the different traditions that these religions carry. I believe that the tree is not just an ordinary ornament or decoration in the house during the Christmas holiday but a reminder for us that the season is the time to celebrate and strengthen family relationships, which I personally witnessed having been invited to many dinners in the past. My wife just brought back new decorations and every night my kids would put on the lights and watch Christmas cartoons.
"What''s wrong with putting up a Christmas tree in the house? My son and daughter study in US and they get to come during their holiday break for a couple of weeks and one time I came home from work and found both of them decorating a Christmas tree inside the house. I have seen these trees in my work place, malls and friends'' houses, so when I came home and found one in my house, I decided to join them in decorating the tree. My wife even bought additional things to hang on the tree and other characters like Santa Claus and snowman were placed in our dining area. I have been invited to my friends'' homes during this holiday and I found out how important this occasion is to them. I noticed the exchange of gifts, the strong union within the family, the fun and the lavish dinner. I guess the tree is a part of the yearly tradition, which everyone should respect. I am glad that my children were exposed to such occasions in U.S. and as for my other children, they are happy to have one in the living room," said Businessman Saud M.
Chocolate shop owner Reem M. stated that she purchased a tree during her trip to France."I saw this tree with all it''s trimmings in a shop and decided to have it packed and brought home to Kuwait and for the past seven years I have always put it up every year. I have two kids, who like to decorate the tree each year and every year I see new additions. Most of my friends asked me why I have a Christmas tree in my house. Why not? I have seen better trees in some of my friends'' homes and I asked them the same question and I get the same answer. The Christmas tree is a decoration during this season and a way being part of a celebration worldwide. The tree and the decorations are mere representations of the season. Most of my staffs are Asians who celebrate the season and I insist on having the annual dinner in my house and we all look forward to the fun and excitement most especially opening gifts, which are exchanged among ourselves."
Most of the shops and malls have been decorated with wreaths and trees in anticipation of the Christmas season, somehow, while passing by these shops one can but gather the feeling of joy and serenity around. People regardless of their ethnicity, race and religion stop and stare to admire the decorations.ـ Alwatan Daily