Christmas comes to Bethlehem
Following a busy tourist season this year, Bethlehem is preparing for the Christmas holiday that has bringing more foreign visitors this year in addition to Christian and Muslim Palestinians to the city.
BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Since Dec. 3, the day the Christmas tree was lit, Palestinians and tourists from all over the world have been flocking to Bethlehem, where Christmas celebrations are not limited to Christians but involve all Palestinians.
Locals and foreigners have been gathering day and night in Manger Square since the tree was lit. While street vendors sell lupini beans, corn and Christmas cookies, children run around the tree and adults take pictures and selfies in front of it.
Shatha Hamad traveled from Ramallah to Bethlehem with her three children to see the tree. She told Al-Monitor that the days before Christmas are less crowded than Christmas Day, and that the children can play freely and enjoy the Christmas spirit.
She said, “We wait for this occasion every year; there is no happier time. [Bethlehem] turns into a city of light where streets, buildings and shops are decorated and a large tree is lit.”
