European Christmas traditions are widely popularized, from their Christmas market items to the dishes served on their tables. But have you ever wondered what Arabs in the Middle East do?
I asked five friends of mine from Nazareth, Haifa, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Jish about their Christmas food traditions to see if there are any common similarities.
Typically, on the 24th, the celebration in the Arab culture includes a barbecue in the evening with the family. The food usually consists of salads and grilled items like chicken and lamb kebabs, wings, arais, kofta, and tomato and onion skewers. A variety of Middle Eastern salads are served alongside these dishes, including tabbouleh, tahiniyie salad, fattoush, among others.
The next big meal with family members is lunch on the 25th. In Arab culture in general, a late lunch is the main event where friends and family are invited, unlike in Western culture where dinner is typically the focal point.
On the 25th, most families serve warm dishes and fatty dishes. There isn’t a single dish that is considered the traditional Christmas lunch, but many families prepare stuffed zucchinis and grape leaves, and lamb in various forms, such as lamb ribs, stuffed lamb thighs or necks, or mansaf. Occasionally, kibbeh nayyeh/raw kibbeh is served on the side, especially the closer you are to Lebanon.
For desserts, you can find a variety of Western treats, including panettone (referred to here as "Christmas cake"), bûche de Noël, and Christmas cookies.
As an Arab, I have a lot to learn about Christmas traditions in the Arab world, and I would love to learn and hear about your experience: What is an Arab Christmas?
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