Christmas in Cairo

Same like last year, I can't be home for Christmas, but I do not feel bad about it. Here in Cairo you do not feel that it is Christmas as 75% of the people are Muslims. Even tho Jesus is a Prophet in Islam, they do not believe that he his the son of god as the Christians do. But when I listen to my favorite radio station via web stream and they start playing Christmas songs I get the feeling.

I do celebrate Christmas from a cultural perspective, as I am not religious. But still I am going to church every year on the 24th of December as it is a tradition for me and my family. So how do I celebrate Christmas in Cairo? Well the first party was a Glühweinabend. Glühwein (Eng. mulled wine) is a popular wine punch in the German speaking areas and the Alsace. It was the first time I cooked it by my self. My friends loved it. This evening gave a feeling of being home at the Christmas market drinking Glühwein. The exception was that is was not -10°C but 20°C outside.

Yammy Glühwein

Next stop was a visit with my friend to a Catholic church near to my place where I live. Unfortunately it was the 23rd of December and not the 24th. They showed the walk of Maria and Joseph to the place where Jesus was born and sang some songs. Everything was in Arabic so I just understood a few words. 

Catholic church

Later that evening we went to a Birthday/Christmas party of a friend. The family are Christians, so I had the chance to see how they decorate their apartment. It was decorated in a very nice way. I had finally the feeling that it is Christmas soon. 

Me at the Christmas Party

So today is Christmas eve and in Germany the family gathers around, have a nice meal and then open the gifts. This year there is a white Christmas in my hometown, which is very unusual.The last time we had snow was about 10 years ago. I am a bit jealous not to be home when there is white Christmas. Later I will Skype with my family and then go to Downtown Cairo and celebrate the evening with my friends. For tomorrow I am invited to another Christmas party...

geseënde Kersfees, gëzuar Krishtlindja, ميلاد مجيد, Shnorhavor Surb tsnund, Noel bayraminiz mubarak, Eguberri on, З Божым нараджэннем,  subho baradin, sretan Božić, Nedeleg laouen, весела коледа, 圣诞快乐, Nadelek lowen, bon Natale, sretan Božić, veselé Vánoce, glædelig jul, vrolijk Kerstfeest, merry Christmas, gojan Kristnaskon, häid jõule, gleðilig jól, joyeux Noël, noflike Krystdagen, bon nadâl, bo Nadal, Gilotsavt Shobas, fröhliche Weihnachten, חג מולד שמח, boldog karácsonyt, Nollaig shona, gioioso Natale, un Crăciun fericit, Рождеством Хрисовым, Wesołych Świąt, Срећан Божић, eliz Navidad, สุขสันนคริมาต์วัสตร์ส