Remembering Christmas Past

By Sarah Kittle

Ask any Chaldean what they enjoy most about the holidays and they will tell you, “Family.” A house full of cousins, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, squeezed in together to cook and eat and share memories along with presents.

Of course, Christmas itself is about Christ, the Savior and His humble beginnings. It is the basis of the Catholic faith.

Way back in 2004, when this publication was brand new, the December issue featured a “Chaldean Christmas;” it really is all about faith, family, and food. Those three things are so firmly entrenched in Chaldean culture.

The nativity

The manger scene with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is as important in Iraq as it is in the U.S., maybe even more so. The Christmas tree takes on a lesser role in the old country, as there are not always presents piled underneath. While gift exchange is not necessarily common in Christian Iraqi villages, family members wear all new clothes, from the undergarments to the socks and shoes, to celebrate the purity of Christmas.

Christmas Eve in Iraq typically means sharing the story of Jesus’ birth, with lit candles or even a bonfire to jump over. Children may receive money from yuletide visitors, and everybody goes to Mass, which includes the “touch of peace” during this special season.

At Christmastime, Chaldean plates are piled high with pacha, and no meal is complete without koolecha for dessert. Says one merry maker, “Chai and koolecha are better than milk and cookies!”

In 2005, the CN interviewed professional party planners to get tips on entertaining during the holidays. Steve and Florence Atto advise concentrating on food, with dolma, hummus, little kibbe, and potato chops.

Lawrence Yaldo says it is all in the details and suggests having a valet service when hosting a party, as well as carolers and other holiday music. Never underestimate the power of scent and include some pine to set the Christmas mood. If you really want to go all-out, send your guests home with a takeaway gift they will remember. For Omar Binno, it is all about home cooking and do not forget the harissa!

In 2006, the CN featured a story called “The Saddest Time,” which addressed the fact that grief hits hard during the holidays, especially that first Christmas without the lost loved one. Many people are experiencing that situation this year, and our hearts are with them.

The 2007 Christmas issue was all about the kids and included a “Kids Wish List.” Dominick Karjo, age eleven at the time, wished for “peace in Iraq” and courage and strength for his dad who worked so hard in the store, and for all the fathers who provide for their families.

The 2008 CN for December had Lenne George teach us how to set the perfect table for the holidays: bring out your best china and silver; use food as a centerpiece; and create individual personalized place settings for each guest. George advised, “People are the best decoration.”

Reason for the season

In 2009, the focus was on Christ and the Christmas issue called upon us to start new traditions while we honor the old. Teaching children the joy of giving, singing carols, and exchanging more meaningful gifts was the subject of the story. Readers shared their favorite Christmas memories.

The next year, 2010, the CN was all about the Mass. In Iraq, there’s often three days of Mass leading up to Christmas and a two-hour Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Believers often abstain from meat for the whole month of December and celebrate with beef barley stew called harissa on Christmas.

In 2011, Fr. Bryan Kassa, who was then a seminarian, wrote a column on family prayer. Michael Sarafa reminded us that there is but one Holy and Apostolic Church.

2012 brought us more Christmas memories, the best of which involved family. Readers reminisced about “Secret Santa” gift exchanges and singing in the church choir, and they had real “feel good” stories about giving to charity as a family.

Shenandoah’s Santa Claus shared some requests he had heard from kids over the years. One boy wanted an elephant, and a few kids wanted a baby brother or sister. Many ambitious young Chaldeans asked for a lawn mower or other equipment to begin their own business, and a few wanted to work at the North Pole. Others wanted to visit Santa’s Workshop, and some wanted a kitten or a puppy from Santa’s hometown. A few kids with big hearts wanted a cure for sick siblings or family members. Their wish list is sweet and simple.

2013 was about favorite things. Mentioned repeatedly was “family time.” Also, Mass, mass, and more Mass! The community is all about giving during this special time, and we covered some ways to donate and some special organizations, including the Chaldean Community Foundation, which have a Christmas program for those in need.

For many, Christmas is all about big family fun and that double (or triple) kiss!

In 2014, we helped readers find that perfect gift, and the Gift Guide was subtitled “Give Chaldean this Christmas!” Whether it was an item custom-made by a community member, a book written by or about Chaldeans, or a product sold in a Chaldean-owned shop, the emphasis was on “Chaldean.” The edition even featured new products from Chaldean women entrepreneurs.

2015’s Gift Guide was extensive, with personalized gift options, local custom sweet treat creations, and even a wish list for tech geeks. (That same edition covered the opening of the Chaldean Community Foundation. They have come a long way since then!)

Five years ago, in 2016, the Chaldean Cultural Center had just been built inside Shenandoah Country, and was labeled, “a gift to the community.” Sue Kattula, who heads the Breaking Barriers program at the CCF, shared her nativity collection with readers. “It’s a good way to bring my American and Chaldean culture together,” said Kattula. Her extensive collection features crèches from all over the world. “I love the idea that everyone sees the Holy Family in their own way; Jesus in their own reflection.”

The 2017 issue featured Jonathan Elias, the Pastry Guru, on the cover. He had just appeared on the Food Network for a baking contest and was riding the high. Elias shared with readers a recipe for Peppermint Hot Cocoa Cake.

2018 covered the intersection of art and faith, featuring a local artist and her work. 2019 gave us a holiday gift guide for toddlers through teens, and last year, we featured outdoor décor.

The question on our minds is: What will Christmas future bring?