If you're aware that the birthplace of Jesus is now part of the Palestinian Territory -- therefore Arab -- you'll be forgiven for being surprised to see a host of Arabs parading through the Bethlehem streets playing bagpipes.
First of all, even though Bethlehem is inhabited by mostly Arab Palestinians, about 20% of them are Arab Christians. This number used to be even higher, but increasing pressure and even persecution have driven many of them elsewhere. Still, this proud and brave minority love to celebrate Christmas in the very place where their savior was born. But how they do it may come as a surprise.
It goes back to the period between the two world wars when Great Britain controlled what was simply called Palestine, before there was a modern state of Israel. It's a complicated chapter in which Britain made promises both to the Jews and to the Palestinians -- promises they would never be able to fully live up to. But of all the cultural trappings the Brits left behind, it's the Scouts and their bagpipes that have lingered as an expression of celebration. (Reminds me of how cricket is now India's favorite sport, having been left behind by the Brits.) So this Christmas, in spite of the raging pandemic, the Bethlehem Christians will be out in the streets again, socially distanced, and playing traditional Christmas carols, both sacred and secular -- on a mission to spread Christmas joy.
It's a collision of English, Scottish, and Arab culture, found only here in Bethlehem.
When you think about it, I imagine you and I can also find a real mishmash of cultures bound up in the way we celebrate Christmas. For example, it's no secret that the Christmas tree has nothing whatsoever to do with the birth of Christ and can even be traced to pagan origins.
There was a time when I wrestled with this pot pourri of cultural and mythical influences on what for many of us is the most important celebration of the year. In my old age (wink), however, I've come to appreciate the fact that there is really no such thing as a pure culture, even when talking about a religious ritual; every human enterprise is inevitably going to be influenced from the "outside" in one way or another, and that's OK. It's part of living in this patchwork called the human race.
Whatever forms your celebration takes, I wish you and your family a warm (brrrr), safe, and joyous Christmas.