By Passant Hisham & Chidi Emmanuel

KUWAIT: Christmas in Kuwait feels different this year amid the Gaza conflict and the mourning period for the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. People are spending this special occasion keeping a low profile, with festivities quieter than previous years. On Christmas Eve, the Catholic Church and National Evangelical Church were illuminated with decorative lights as worshippers attended mass and other activities.

Vector Almeida, an Indian expat attending a service Salmiya Catholic Church, explained that unlike previous years, the church is not holding any musical events or competitions at the church to respect the current situation of the country and the entire world. “It doesn’t really feel right to celebrate while people are suffering out there,” he noted, referring to the Gaza war. (See Page 4)

“Unlike previous years (during the COVID pandemic), this year’s celebration is mask-free, but the passing of Kuwait’s Amir and the killings in Gaza have dampened the celebrations. We pray for peace and an end to wars,” said Roseline Cole, a Filipino expat. This occasion holds great significance for every Christian in Kuwait, and they appreciate the different forms the celebration has taken this year to respect the current circumstances. What is more important for them than celebrating is to keep Gaza and the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf in their prayers.