By Ghadeer Ghloum & Chidi Emmanuel
KUWAIT: Christmas and the New Year have a long history and continue to be practiced by various Christian communities in the Middle East. In Kuwait, Christmas and the New Year are celebrated in unique and diverse ways. Celebrations vary depending on the Christian denomination, work schedule and environment. Kuwait Times explores some common ways people celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
Church services
There is a flurry of activities during this festive period. From Christmas Eve until the New Year, church services are an integral part of the celebrations for Christians in the Middle East. Many churches hold special liturgies, including midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ (PBUH). "Christmas and the New Year are very important days in the life of every good Christian. We celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day and usher in the New Year with prayers and thanksgiving,” Reginald Ado, an African expat, told Kuwait Times. "At home, we have a small indoor party for family members and close friends. This year we didn’t have one because of the death of the Amir of Kuwait and the war in Gaza,” he added.
Family gatherings
Like in many other parts of the world, Christmas and the New Year are festive periods for family gatherings and festive meals. Families and close friends come together to share traditional meals and exchange gifts. Helen, a dedicated expat who has called Kuwait home for the past decade, graciously opened up about her heartfelt Christmas celebration.
This particular year held profound significance for Helen and her beloved husband, as it marked their baby’s first enchanting encounter with the festive season. The sheer joy and excitement of witnessing their little ones’ inaugural Christmas infused the day with an extra touch of delight.
In the expat community, where families often find themselves miles apart, Christmas is a precious occasion shared in the warm embrace of close friends who have become a second family. As Helen stated: "Although we dearly miss our families, the tradition of celebrating with our dear friends in Kuwait has become something truly cherished. It’s a time when we forge new bonds and strengthen the sense of camaraderie among fellow expatriates.”
One of the highlights of their day was a delightful Christmas lunch at a leading hotel, where an elegant setting and a festive ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Laughter reverberated through the air as they shared joyful moments and celebrated in goofy cheer. But Helen revealed that, unfortunately, her husband found himself tied up with work commitments, leaving their Christmas celebration bittersweet.
Nevertheless, she decided to surround herself with close friends, transforming what could have been a lonely evening into a harmonious gathering. "Even though my husband couldn’t be with us for the evening, the time spent with cherished friends made the day whole. It truly emphasized the spirit of Christmas — the boundless joy found in togetherness.”
As an expatriate, Helen epitomized the resilience and adaptability required when celebrating Christmas away from the comforts of home. The fusion of cherished traditions and the embrace of new friendships and cultural experiences transformed this Christmas in Kuwait into an enduring memory, one that will be fondly recalled in the years to come.
Sending money
During the Christmas season, spending and sending money are common activities as people purchase gifts, make donations and send greetings to their loved ones. "This often involves careful budgeting and planning ahead of time to ensure that thoughtful and meaningful gifts can be purchased within one’s means. We normally send money to our family members and loved ones in our home country. We also cater for the poor and underprivileged ones around us. This year, I sent money to my parents, some church members and orphanages,” said Leona Abina, an expat nurse. Overall, Christmas and New Year in Kuwait are times of joy, reflection and celebration for Christian communities, and they often blend religious observances with cultural traditions that are unique to each region.