Christmas in Damascus: Residents celebrate without sounds of shells or fighting for first time in 8 years

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Europe

02:41

Syrian government forces retook the last rebel strongholds in-and-around the capital Damascus in April. So for residents of the city, that means this Christmas will be the first in eight years they can celebrate without the fear of shells. CGTN's Alaa Ebrahim has the story.

This is the Saieed family. The family of 4 are residents of Kasa'a neighborhood, one of several Christian districts located in eastern Damascus. They are taking part in the global tradition of decorating their house for Christmas, but this year is different.

NAILY SAIEED DAMASCUS RESIDENT "For years, we couldn't decorate the balcony nor this room because of the fighting nearby. We had almost no visitors because people hesitated to come to this part of the city. But now it's different. It is true, not everyone is celebrating. Some families have sons fighting in the army, others are suffering economically."

This is Al-Abasyin square, the main square of eastern Damascus. From here, the frontline with the rebels was a few hundred meters away and rebel mortar attacks were a daily event. But now the scene is different with the country's largest Christmas tree and quite a turn-out to watch it. People from all walks of life, enjoying the new-found peace.

SALWA DAMASCUS RESIDENT "This year is unlike years before. It is a real holiday and it is about time. We are tired."

PIERRE DAMASCUS RESIDENT "Today, this is a celebration of not just the birth of Jesus but also peace coming to our country. You can see all kinds of Syrians in this square, Muslims and Christians."

NADINE DAMASCUS RESIDENT "The past few years were like a nightmare and this now feels like a dream. It is nice to see people united in joy."

It is difficult to believe that these glowing streets were empty and dark a few months ago. Repeated rocket attacks, the ongoing fighting nearby and frequent electricity black-outs used to drive most people to stay home.

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS "For the first time in 8 years residents of Damascus will celebrate Christmas without the sounds of shells or fighting around their city. Perhaps this is why many view this as a break from violence and a chance of better days to come. Alaa Ebrahim, CGTN, Damascus."