By Nada Deyaa’, Daily News Egypt Streets decorated with lights, trees with garlands and ornaments in most malls and city centres, people taking pictures with the tree while Christmas songs play in the background—this is the Christmas spirit in Egypt. Despite the fact that Christmas is a commemoration of the birth of Jesus, many Muslims share the different festive rituals of Christmas with Christians. For many Muslims, decorating their houses with Christmas trees, having dinner together on Christmas Eve, and exchanging gifts with friends are as essential as buying “Halawet El-Mouled” (candy distributed to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad). Nada Ahmed, 24, feels the importance of celebrating Christmas, even if she’s a Muslim. “There’s something magical about Christmas. It’s not only about the decorations, trees, or songs. It’s the holy spirit that we also feel in Ramadan and Eid. Just a short walk down the street draws a smile on one’s face and clears the mind and soul,” Nada said about Christmas, which Egypt’s Coptic Christian population celebrates annually on 7 January instead of 25 December. Her celebrations include going out with friends and having Christmas dinner while wearing…
