Published on Al Bawaba (http://www.albawaba.com)

The Yuletide Cheer Still Alive for Gaza

Published December 25th, 2011 - 18:06 GMT

Gaza Christians- and Muslims!- are celebrating Christmas still in community-based gatherings; A new Christmas hope sparks for a Lebanese blogger in an unlikely place; "Happy Newtonmas" is one blogger's greeting of choice; Christmas cupcakes- enough said! ; The second phase of Egyptian elections simplified; A Lebanese blogger isn't the only one unimpressed with the Virgin Megastore.

yultide yuletide

The Christmas spirit is still glowing for Palestine's Christian communities.
© 2011 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com [1])
International Soldarity Movement [2]
Christmas in Gaza
Christmas is meant to be a happy period for most people. For Gaza, it has shown gross acts of injustice. Ruqaya Izzidien reports on Christmas in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli war on Gaza marks its third gory anniversary. Although the Israeli government has used Gaza Christians for propaganda purposes, the people of Gaza have not lost the community spirit of the holiday. "“The relationship between Muslims and Christians in Gaza is really good. Palestine is one of the few places left where Muslims and Christians are really close. We are brothers and sisters.”
From Beirut with Funk [3]
A pinch of hope for Christmas 2011
Hope tends to pop from the strangest places. This Lebanese blogger has found it in the unlikeliest place from the unlikeliest person: a politician on Twitter! As long as politicians remain the force behind their social network accounts, they can maintain a direct connection with the people like never before. "So maybe it's the festivities, maybe Love is all around, but for some reason I felt a bit of hope yesterday for Lebanon and well on that note, I wish you all a Merry Christmas, whatever your sect is, because Christmas is all about the birth of hope and love."
The Rainbow Experience [4]
To All the Atheists Out There!
Did you know that Jesus wasn't the only significant historical figure born on December 25th? Isaac Newton was born on December 25th, 1642. So, this Lebanese blogger wishes all atheists (and possibly all science/history-lovers), "Happy Newtonmas and Reasons Greetings!"
Ivy Says [5]
Have Yourself A Merry Little Cupcake
Lebanese blogger Ivy shows her delicious-looking batch of homemade Red Velvet Cake Christmas cupcakes. Feast your eyes! "No Christmas is complete, without Red Velvet Cupcakes. No cupcakes are complete, without cream cheese icing. A delightful combination you should allow yourself, at least once a year."
Egyptian Chronicles [6]
#EgyElections : Second stage results “individual seats”
This politically active Egyptian blogger continues to report on the complex Egyptian elections. This time, the second strage results are detailed, along with brief lists and helpful charts.
Elia's Blog Mssawir [7]
The Virgin Megastore Corruption – Part II
Lebanese blogger Elia has a bone to pick with the Downtown Beirut branch of the Virgin Megastore. In a follow-up piece to one where he wrote his own personal experience with the store, he now shows comments and personal stories sent to him from several unsatisfied customer and employees. "I won’t be talking about my experience this time. Staff, Costumers, Musicians/Bands/Artists will tell their own stories. I won’t be mentioning any names upon the subjects’ request."
Source URL: http://www.albawaba.com/blog_roundup/yuletide-cheer-still-alive-gaza-406589

Links:
[1] http://www.albawaba.com
[2] http://palsolidarity.org/2011/12/christmas-in-gaza/
[3] http://blog.funkyozzi.com/2011/12/pinch-of-hope-for-christmas-2011.html
[4] http://therainbowexperience.blogspot.com/2011/12/to-all-atheists-out-there.html
[5] http://ivysays.com/2011/12/24/have-yourself-a-merry-little-cupcake/
[6] http://egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/egyelections-second-stage-results.html
[7] http://eliamssawir.com/blog/the-virgin-megastore-corruption-part-ii