Just days before Christmas in the Land where Yeshua was born, nobody is rushing to do last-minute shopping, no decorations adorn the buildings and nary a Christmas carol is heard. The post office is a little busier than usual as some expatriates send gifts home, but no Santa Claus, Christmas sales, holiday music, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, Christmas movies or special holiday blended drinks are to be found.
So just how does the 3-percent-Christian population in Israel celebrate Christmas? Well, for one, only Catholics and Protestants celebrate on Dec. 25. Most Orthodox Christians celebrate on Jan. 6, while Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrate on Jan. 18. But really, they all celebrate on each day, taking advantage of the holidays.
israel today ventured out to learn what Christians of all kinds do to celebrate Christmas in the Holy Land. Here is our report.