Christmas

Because the Holy Family spent time in Egypt with the infant Jesus, Christmas is a special celebration for Egypt's Copts. Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, similar to Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Since our Canadian Dec. 25th Christmas Day was looking like a pretty sedate and solitary time, we decided to treat ourselves to a (pre-) Christmas dinner at Kasr El Shouk, a traditional Egyptian restaurant here in 6th of October with a great reputation.

We were not disappointed.

The decor was stunning.
The service was excellent.
The food was superb.

Quasr al Shouk chicken

Roast duck stuffed with taboulleh

Elsewhere, Christmas in Cairo seemed familiar

at home...

Thanks to sister Julie for sending these Christmas decorations!

Our tree

 in the stores...

spot the bunny

 

                   in the offices...

 
on the roads,,,

 

But some things were just a little different, for example

Charlie Brown trees...

 hanging Santas or Santas with snow-globe tummies....

Shrek in the school foyer....

Christmas tree of hands

 The Kindergarteners (KG classes) singing "Oh Christmas Tree" ...

Still... this is the Holy Land--
and there is that star in the east.