Damascus, Syria – This year Christmas is a little different, say Damascenes.
Although last year’s decorations may have been more elaborate, Carol al-Sahhaf says this year’s festive spirit is even better, less than two weeks after the escape of Bashar al-Assad and the collapse of his regime.
On both sides of the biblical street called Straight – or al-Mustaqeem, or Straight Street for short – lights and Christmas trees decorate the cafes, restaurants, shops and houses of Bab Sharqi, the neighborhood at the eastern gate of the ancient Old City.
The alleys surrounding Straight Street are bustling with activity and a spring-like feeling is in the air as shopkeepers repaint their shelves, dust them off and hang the green, white and black “Free Syria” flag.
Lights, cookies and optimism
Al-Assad fled on December 8 and the country erupted in jubilation that lasted for days as Syrians celebrated the overthrow of the al-Assad family and the end of more than 50 years of brutal rule.
As the celebrations died down, Olga al-Muuti told Al Jazeera, everyone focused on preparations for Christmas, New Year and Orthodox Christmas.
“I expect the celebrations to return to their full vibrancy in the coming days,” said the 29-year-old as she assembled cookie decorating kits in the back room of her eponymous bakery.
“After 14 years of war, I hope that the coming year will bring us peace, love and the chance to live in dignity.”
From Olga’s shop, a four-minute walk down Straight Street leads to the lush lights of Bab Touma Street, named after another ancient gate that was in the Old City’s walls.
As he strolled through his neighborhood with two friends, Akop Safarian, 72, admired the lights, enveloped against the cool night air and full of happiness.
He and his neighbors decorated all of their houses and the street they lived on, he said, like every year, only this year he did it with a special prayer in mind.
“I hope that in the coming year there will be peace in Syria and the world,” Safarian said with a broad smile.
“We as Syrians”
“We are a little worried about the coming phase,” al-Shahhaf said as she browsed a small craft stall at a cafe in Qishleh in the Old City.
However, she added that she was extremely happy about all the changes in Syria.
“I am sure that as Syrians of all origins we can prove to the world that we are a people who love peace,” said the 28-year-old from Jaramana.
“The horrific scenes we have seen in Assad’s prisons… we should truly be in mourning, in solidarity with the families of prisoners killed in prisons and with the families of those whose fate remains unknown,” Carol said.
Rawad Diop, who originally comes from Safita near Tartus, is just happy.
“In addition to the Christmas celebrations, I see a smile on people’s faces that I haven’t seen before,” said the 42-year-old.
“Personally, I am very happy and feel inner optimism for the future.”
