The City of Christmas Celebrates with Trees, Ornaments, Lights, and Sweets
Reageer (0)7-12-2010
Bethlehem- On the first day of December, a bevy of trees, ornaments, sweets, lights, and gifts come together to announce the beginning of the Christmas season. Like every year here in Bethlehem, visitors from all around the world come to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with songs, feasts, and festivals.
The Bethlehem Christmas Market (Fabian Stamm, PNN)
Streets are brightened with all manner of lights and decorations throughout the three cities of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala. Stores display Santa Claus toys, chocolate treats, and decorated Christmas trees. Small children wait for Christmas Eve and the anticipated visit of Santa Claus bearing the gifts they told him they wanted.
On the sidelines, there are those responsible for the festivities—the men and women who coordinate everything from the music to the prayers from December 1 until the end of the month.“The Christmas Market,” which opened its doors on December 1 to all customers looking for Christmas gifts and supplies, welcomes shoppers from all over the West Bank. Many visitors to the store, from the Catholic Church of Bethlehem, find themselves before long tables full of things to buy.
Fabian Stamm, PNN
“We put together, in one place, everything people can find for more money elsewhere,” said Aida Baboun, who helps coordinate the market. “It’s possible to do all the shopping here and save money.”
Baboun showed off the handmade Christmas sweets, occupying an entire table. She pointed to another table, where a woman was making ornaments by hand and her husband tried to attract visitors. Baboun said her favorite part of the season was the beauty of all the gifts and ornaments.
