Even before the Revolution, one had to put a lot of effort into celebrating Christmas in Iran. However, because of the large number of foreigners living here at that time, it was possible to make the day enjoyable. Christmas trees and ornaments were available everywhere, American turkeys could be bought in the supermarkets, Christmas carols were played on radio and TV and Iranians in the street wished us a “Happy New Year”. They always mixed up Christmas and New Year’s Eve and then applied the rules for the Iranian New Year (March 21) to it. As a result, just when I wanted to sit down with my family to enjoy Christmas dinner, Iranian friends started to drop in one after the other to wish me a “Happy New Year”. The children all knew about Christmas presents and kept on looking at the tree to see if anything was there for them. Luckily I had expected this and had purchased and wrapped a lot of extra little presents, so there always was something for everyone, even the grown-ups. Also a blessing that the American turkeys were so big and fat so that there was enough to eat for all.
But nowadays, Christmas in Iran is the saddest day of the year for me. Nothing on radio or TV, only some sick-looking turkeys are available in a few of the market places, hardly any trees can be found, and most Iranians have no idea it’s Christmas. It’s a normal working day, no lights, no decorations and most of all, no Christmas atmosphere. Just the usual air pollution, traffic jams, and stressed people.
I’m glad it’s finished for another year.