Aleppo Speaks

Before I start the article, I own all readers of Aleppo Speaks an apology and explanation. Situations in my new job and the pressure of a test that I was studying for has taken its toll on me both physically and emotionally, the thing that made writing an impossible task, never in my life I ever felt this paralyzed over writing. Thus, I hope you readers can accept my apology . 
Hello readers, welcome back. It's December the month of celebrations, love and get together around the fire place with all family members fighting over the delicious foods and differences kinds of beautiful home cook meals. Aleppo is all dressed up in her most beautiful outfit ready to welcome Christmas and News Eye. Although there is no electricity for the 3 mouths in the roll .Nonetheless, that did not stop citizens of Aleppo from celebration as all the churches started its traditional decorations for Christmas which included a lovely decorated tree with beautiful lights and مغارة which is the highlight of all decorations. Walking down Aleppo's decorated churches, schools, shops, restaurants and houses. I can see, smell and feel Christmas and instantly a smile is painted over my face.
Many activities where highly prepared and with over joy excused, all aimed at bring the joy of Christmas to Aleppo citizens. One of the many festivals that the city of Aleppo is known for is the Christmas exhibition that includes around of beautiful games for children to play where Aleppo's children wait a full year for Christmas to come and for them to go with their friends to play the different types of games and win what we call here فيش that enable them to go and buy some gifts so, it is normal for you to go to our Christmas exhibition and see a great deal of children trying their best to win and get their hands on much فيش as possible and ultimately win as much gifts as possible cool i bet it is, well each time I go to this exhibition I wish time will go back so I can be a child once again and have this adrenalin rash all over again. However, the joy of Christmas will not complete until a joyful smile is printed on the parents and adult faces as well and thus, the exhibition reserved a place for its adult visitors where tables around the church sirah where perfectly organized to display a wide range of beautifully handmade done accessories ,homemade sweets and different types of Christmas related products that Aleppo shoppers wait year round to get their hands on them and the joy people get when they come and see those products displayed in front of them with a reasonable prices as the point here after all is not money profit on the contrary, it is the joy on people's faces as they go around the tables and select what they like and purchase it with ease that is the real profit that owners are looking for after all it is a part of Christmas tradition here in Aleppo and although times are tough and sadness is the common mood, the owners feel more than ever in need to keep on that tradition and draw an even bigger smile on shopper's faces as often and as frequent as possible. People through those kinds of events are sticking by each other side after all it is through those celebrations that we truly remember our Christianity and God's words about mercy, acts of kindness and compassion, things that should be more on our to do list not only during celebrations.
Although our Christmas is on the 6 of January. Nonetheless, many of Aleppo Armenians are celebrating both Christmas one with their friends and the other with family. And another activity that is organized by our Հ․Օ․Մ organization "the organization that never seems to stop to fail us" as they prepared yet once again a highly organized, over the top party in spirit of Christmas at the alompay restaurant that its news traveled to my school where many teachers spoke of how people had a great time and affordable prices of the tickets which where all sold, I was much upset I could not make it as I had to take exam scheduled to take place in Damascus. Despite that, I was happy simply to hear that this party was a success. Also, schools had a fair share of events prepared to kids to welcome Christmas and New year as many of our schools has requested their students to write down what they like Santa Clause to give them for Christmas and on a specific day the school will invite students along with their parents to a lovely and joyful party that will include Christmas songs, lunch for the children and their parents along with small games for the children and most importantly the coming of Santa Clause carrying the children's gifts on his shoulder. Believe me the children and young ones are feeling the joy of Christmas because of all the efforts of administration staff. Christmas is yet possible in Aleppo and it is doable. Because of the help of the many people who are making sure that those kids have the Christmas they deserve and print in their minds a beautiful memories that will last a life time and to those unknown solders that are making it possible all heads bows in respect.
In conclusion, Aleppo is yet again is filled with the Christmas joy that is seen in the smiles of its citizens , citizens that are their prime focus is on the moment on enjoying each other company, have a laugh set together around the table getting their hands dirty eating their mother's delicious turkey and looking into the smiling faces of their children and closing one chapter, ready to welcome the next with a heart full of hope and positivity trusting God's wisdom and with this note I leave you readers wishing you a Joyful Merry Christmas full of hope, joy, laughter and love. Here is Aleppo and from here farewell and God Bless.
Written by:
Nora Bulbulian
26/12/2015