A Christmas Story from Kuwait

“I always try to make Eid special for my kids,” my friend’s mom told me as I walked through the living room admiring the colorful decorations. The brightly colored crepe paper reminded me more of a Mexican restaurant than any Islamic celebration I’ve seen, but it was festive nonetheless. As I sat down for tea, she began to explain just why she felt the importance to go over the top for the Eid celebration.

“Many years ago,” she recalled, “my husband and I were in London in the cancer ward of a hospital where my eldest son was diagnosed with cancer when he was two. It was one of many trips we would make over the years, and on this particular visit my son was four. We stayed in that hospital day in and day out for weeks. Then weeks became months and as the months rolled along, Christmastime was upon us. The ward was completely transformed by decorations; lights and wreaths and Christmas trees with shimmering ornaments filled in the quiet and lonely spaces which made the hospital feel so cold. I remember watching my son’s face light up as he took in the delights of the season. I learned that the ladies from the neighborhood organization where the hospital was located volunteered each year to bring Christmas magic and cheer to those suffering and their families who joined them in the cancer ward. I began to realize that the decorations were lightening my spirits as well.

Then came Christmas morning and I couldn’t believe what I saw. Each child was presented with a huge basket of gifts, and they even included my son although they knew that we are Muslim. These gifts weren’t thrown away second hand toys either. They were Tonka trucks, Legos, Ninja Tutles, etc. I was touched by these women’s generosity and thoughtfulness to spread the spirit of Christmas everyone, regardless of their religion. That was one of the last times I saw my son so happy. He passed away only a few months later.”

I remained silent taking in the whole story. I couldn’t help but be proud of those sweet Christian women in London. I wondered if they would ever know the impact they had on this Kuwaiti family.

“So that is why I decorate,” she continued. “I want to remind my family the importance of the season- of generosity, charity, love and kindness that we Muslims are supposed to share with others, not just during the holidays but all year round.”