Christians in southern Lebanon are getting ready for a low-key Christmas celebration

In the border villages of southern Lebanon, Christians are preparing for a muted Christmas celebration this year, overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its effects in Lebanon.

While Beirut has seen bustling restaurants and crowded Christmas markets, the border towns present a stark contrast with deserted homes and closed businesses. Many residents have left to stay with family or rent apartments in safer areas, away from the conflict zone.

The Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, has led to frequent clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces along the border. These clashes have resulted in approximately 150 deaths on the Lebanese side, including Hezbollah fighters and at least 17 civilians, as reported by The Associated Press.

According to the International Organization for Migration, about 72,437 people in Lebanon are displaced due to the conflict.

In Ain Ebel, a predominantly Christian village, UN peacekeepers distributed toys at a private school to around 250 children from families who have stayed in Ain Ebel and nearby villages Rmeish and Debel. Local schools have been shut down due to the fighting, which claimed the lives of three students from Saint-Joseph des Saints-Cœurs School.

The three sisters, Rimas, Talin, and Layan Shour, aged 14, 12, and 10, respectively, were killed with their grandmother in an Israeli strike on November 5.

Sister Maya Beaino, the head of the school, described the prevailing mood as somber, with many having fled and those remaining not engaging in festive decorations.

Despite the challenges, Beaino expressed hope that the modest Christmas celebration would lift spirits. She also mentioned plans to reopen the school once a ceasefire is in place.

Charbel Louka, a 12-year-old from Debel, attended the toy distribution, mentioning how he and his family became accustomed to the shelling sounds over time.

Adding to the challenges, heavy storms on Saturday caused flooding across Lebanon, resulting in the tragic death of four Syrian refugee children in the north due to a collapsed ceiling.

In Rmeish, close to the border and regularly affected by shelling and airstrikes, Mayor Milad Alam noted the absence of a festive atmosphere. The local church has modified its Christmas Eve Mass to a daytime service on Christmas Day due to security concerns. A small event for children to receive gifts from Santa Claus is planned.

In Rashaya al-Fukhar, the town square features a Christmas tree, but the area remains largely empty. Wassim al-Khalil, a municipal council member, explained that families with children have moved them for safety and education. Those remaining are mostly older residents.

Marwan Abdullah, a local, shared his family’s separation due to the conflict, expressing hope for a peaceful Christmas and highlighting the significance of the day in celebrating peace and goodwill, as embodied by Jesus Christ.