Christmas in Jerusalem 2021

Sadly there are no overseas tourists visiting Jerusalem this Christmas. However plenty of locals were out and about last Saturday evening when I joined a friend to check out the Christmas lights at this holiday time. We weren't disappointed. Walking from the Russian Compound we popped into the Holy Trinity Church where we were enchanted by the heavenly singing.

From there we wandered through the City Hall complex to the Notre Dame Pilgrim Guesthouse. Opened at the end of the 19th century, this magnificent building faces New Gate where a local Christmas Market was in full flow. The view from the roof is spectacular. I was surprised to discover this gem after almost 40 years of living in the city. The spectacular views from the roof show the Chritmas tree in the courtyard below and the Christmas market just inside the New Gate across the road.

After tasting some of the delcacies on offer in the market, we continued through the alleyways of the Christian Quarter to the home of Jerusalem's Santa Claus Issah Kassisieh, who has turned his family home into a Christmas wonderland. We didn't visit this time but many others waited patiently for their special visit.

CHRISTMAS 2020: JERUSALEM'S SANTA

The Old City is very quiet this year. However, if you walk down St. Peter's Street from the New Gate, and continue down the winding alleyways of the Christian Quarter to the junction of St. Peter's Street and the Latin Patriarchate Road, you will soon hit "Santa Lane" where this December you can find the festively decorated Santa's House.

Issa Kassissieh, outside Santa's House
December 2020

For three years, Palestinian Catholic and well-know former local basketball player Issa (Jesus) Kassissieh, has been dressing up as the Jerusalem Santa and decorating his family's traditional 14th century home.

This year Santa is needed more than ever. 

Kassassieh, 42, says, "I try to bring happiness, even when I can't give a hug. When I talk to the children I see they need this in this situation. A smile, a nice word - they are very happy for that. Anyone can put on a red suit, but if you don't do it from the heart, you can't bring the miracle of Santa."

In better years, he has given his Santa a local twist by trading in the reindeer for a borrowed camel he rides in the Old City to the delight of locals and tourists alike.

Santa on his Camel

People of all religions visit. "I don't care who they are. My message is love and peace. Santa is for everybody."

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2021!

(Adapted from an article by Judith Sudilovsky, Catholic News Service)

Holiday Greetings and Happy New Year!

As the world celebrates Christmas Eve tonight, thousands will flock to Bethlehem for midnight mass which is televised around the world. Many Jewish Israelis also join in the celebrations at carol services and other Christmas events taking place in Jerusalem and around the country.

The other day I saw Santa Claus ringing his bell from the walls of Jerusalem.

Nativity Square in Bethlehem ready to receive visitors

Enjoy this short film produced by Israel 21c showing Nazareth preparing to celebrate Christmas in the city. Christmas preparations in Nazareth

I wish everyone Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all.