It’s that time of year again!
Pumpkin spice everything is everywhere, coupled with gingerbread, peppermint coffee and hot chocolate flavors.
Eggnog and warmed Spiced Ciders start to show on holiday menus.
The streets twinkle with holiday decor, shining in the eyes of giddy children who have just spotted Santa.
When you inhale deeply with a wide smile, holiday scents seem to linger in the crisp and changing air.
Christmas music can be heard almost anywhere, out of every home, store and street square, bringing an undeniable sense of joy.
People seem to be kinder; everyone affected by the Christmas spirit that is unquestionably floating in the air, impossible to ignore.
Watching Christmas movie classics, all curled up on the couch, bundled in your favorite tacky Christmas sweater with a festive mug of cocoa in hand.
I love this season. There is just something so magical about it.
Yes, I am fully aware that I sound cheesier than a Hallmark holiday film, but I can’t help myself.
I am filled with more holiday cheer than Kris Kringle himself.
I am also a Muslim.
On November 5th, Tesco, a British grocery retail company, much like Wal-Mart, released a Christmas commercial with the slogan “Everybody’s Welcome."
This lovely advert depicts multiple families coming together for the holidays, cooking or grilling turkeys, sneaking samples of the dinner when no one is looking. Just a wholesome image of the holiday season where everyone shares a great dinner together.
Among these gatherings, a Muslim family is shown arriving with gifts and greeting each other at the door.
From Twitter posts to YouTube comments on the video, people were unfortunately up in arms about this.
'Tis the season, I guess.
It is quite sad to say that some people are just so quick to be hostile towards a commercial with some Muslims taking part in such a festive season.
While there are only some religious aspects of Christmas that Muslims do not believe in, there is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating a traditional Christmas with friends and family.
People of different walks of life and faiths can unite together, share loving moments and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So why the hatred against this?
As a Muslim myself, I find joy in celebrating a holiday with my Christian friends and family. Or even my agnostic and atheistic friends. We are all just enjoying a shared time together.
We are all happy to celebrate.
Being open-minded is a trait that people have completely lost, and we need to work on getting that trait back. To have opinions but to also see the view of another, walk in their shoes.
To understand a person’s life and their personal experiences and take it into account. To be able to share in each others faiths, traditions and lives. Maybe then we will start to learn how to care for society again.
So, I say with a happy heart; Merry Christmas to you and your family.
