Thanksgiving week was filled to the brim with cooking and connection. We celebrated with American and Australian friends/coworkers on Thanksgiving day with an impressive spread of festive food. The next day, teammates and I hosted a “Friendsgiving” at a team couple's house (a team tradition) with 4 Arab friends. We ate, voted on favorite dishes, shared what we’re thankful for, listened to the Thanksgiving story in Arabic and played games.
Friendsgiving was encouraging to see how far I’ve come. Last year I was barely 6 weeks in, a month into Arabic, and getting maybe 5% (not to mention struggling to find what I needed in grocery stores). This year, I understood the majority of what was being said, shared what I’m thankful for in Arabic, and translated for our new teammate, who is at about the same place I was at last year.
Because religion is a huge part of culture, it was easy to express gratitude for what God has done or who he is and how we can be thankful even when the world around us. I shared how God has taught me that he is in control; he doesn’t expect me to be perfect; I can’t ruin his plans. I also shared how thankful I am for close friends in a hard year. Our friends expressed thanks for God’s blessings in the midst of a year of war and pain, and even got emotional talking about the blessing of all of us gathering as friends to share a meal.
Unlike last year, when most Christmas celebrations were cancelled, there’ve been small Christmas markets, choir performances, and decorations. People are also starting to have more gatherings, go out more, and enjoy festivities. I’m learning much more about Christmas here compared to last year, both because of the increased celebrations and my friends.
For example: Santa is called “Baba Noel.” People take lots of pictures with decorations like trees and lights. Many muslims love the Christmas aesthetic, however, some are hesitant to participate in traditions (like eating Christmas cookies) because of the religious meaning of the holiday. Christmas music plays in some stores that are frequented by expats. Most businesses don’t close for Christmas (because it is a majority Muslim country). “Jingle Bells” is a very popular song. There are Arabic hymns, as well as English hymns that have been translated into Arabic, like Joy to the World and Silent Night. It's a cool and beautiful time to see Christmas in another culture!