I’m very excited for the holiday season in West. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. Now I have only experienced it through movies and books and news, but it still makes me feel good. The videos and imagery of snow-covered streets combined with twinkling lights and families holding hands going shopping and stopping to take a picture with Santa make me excited.
The songs, movies, and everything we see on Internet and elsewhere are so good. It make me feel a sense of warmth comfort. I watched “Red One (2024)” few days ago, starring Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson. Not my type of favorite movie but still made me laugh and feel joy.
We have so much good Persian traditions which I adore but they can’t stop me from wanting to experience the traditions of Western cultures. Everything I see sparks my curiosity. Many of the traditions aren’t even specific to Western cultures, such as exchanging gifts and visiting family members, they are some of the most-respected values we have in Persian culture, yet they seem somehow different in West.
The portrayal of these celebrations in Western media has painted a picture of unrealistic happiness in my brain which I know may be a lot different in real life yet I can’t control my desire to experience them.
Winter is my favorite season so you can understand how a holiday in the winter, which is always shown to me with specific pictures of snow-covered houses and decorations, can make me this much excited.
But the celebrations and festivities aren’t all I’m excited for. As a Middle Easterner, you surely can understand how the feelings of unity, happiness, goodwill, and celebration are carved in our DNA so I want them as well. It’s not just about the cold weather and good decoration, it’s about embracing deep feelings too.
Perhaps one day I find the opportunity to participate in these celebrations, to create memories and blend in with people who truly appreciate these traditions. Until then, I’ll continue enjoying movies and videos, pictures on Internet, reading good news about it, and talking to my friends. I can enjoy the season imagining I’m part of it as well.