Since mid-December, Egyptian Christians of Cairo already start preparing for New Year and Christmas. The streets of the city are decorated, discounts start in the shops, Christmas trees and Santa Clauses appear on the streets.

Although Ahmed Sayid is a Muslim, he likes this Christian culture. Ahmed told Armenian News – NEWS.am correspondent that many Muslims in Cairo celebrate these holidays with Christians. New Year is a holiday which brings joy regardless of the religion which a man refers himself to. Very often Muslims and Christians start decorating their hometown together. “Of course decorating Christmas trees and our homes is forbidden; this contradicts our religion and traditions. But we respect the holidays and traditions of the Christians. Since mid-December, Christmas trees and decorations with beautiful lights appear in the supermarkets. The town fills up with joy,” Ahmed said.  

As a child, he wrote about his wishes to the Santa Clause several times without telling his parents, but never received the present. Growing up, he understood why the Santa Clause didn’t realize his request. “I grew up and realized there is no Santa Clause, and that parents prepare presents for their children. I still remember the enthusiasm with which our neighboring Christian children told about the presents received,” Ahmed says.

Nevertheless, he always got candies as a present, which the Christian children shared with their Muslim friend.