Christmas Jordanian-Style

In Jordan, some Christian families celebrate Christmas with Christmas trees in their salon (living room). Instead of presents under the tree, though, you can see elaborately formed "caves." To them, of course, this represents where Jesus was born, rather than a stable. 

(By the way, Biblical scholars do not agree on the meaning of the Greek word for "inn" - kataluma. Some say it means a guest room, others say it means a public inn.)

Little plates of sprouts will be placed here and there under the tree. As one man told us in broken English, they represent "new life." The seeds are planted a couple of weeks before Christmas and watered every day.  

Adults do not usually exchange gifts but gifts can be given to children and guests can bring a gift for the entire family, such as a box of special candy. 

Around the world, different cultures celebrate Christmas with varying traditions. Although not all traditions have direct biblical links, they are expressions of people's desire to remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.