An inclusive Christmas Story, Saudi Arabia 1986

The wife and I and three grade school children had lived in Al-Jubail for 3 years and organizing a meaningful Christmas took some creativity. For the children it meant going to the markets where they would look for their Christmas presents they really wanted, and then we had to talk about price. Too much desire, runs the price up. Sometimes you had to walk away because of over the top pricing. The Christmas tree was a potted plant with home made decorations. But we did it all.

At Christmas we would also receive notices that Christmas was not recognized in Saudi Arabia a muslim country, even though Jesus was a recognized prophet {Peace Be Upon Him}. And thus, Christmas decorations and parties were forbidden by law.

It was our last Christmas in the kingdom , sooo, what the hell, we planned a major house party at our house. About 100 people. The kitchen staff Phillipinos/ Swiss at the International Hotel asked to do the catering for free as they would enjoy the outing. The unregistered Ladies Choral Group, Mostly European, and totally illegal mixed chorus were invited, along with my entire work group. Folks were given staggered times to arrive and told to park around the corner, down the block. About 12 nationalities made up the mix.

At the dinner time, we gathered up through out the house holding hands to say grace and all of a sudden there is a banging on the front door. Opening door, there stands an intimidating Saudi in full dress resulting in panic throughout the house. Until I said loudly Ahmed Ibin Hindas, my best friend please come on in. I assured everyone it's okey, Ahmed joins hands to begin grace and says hold on this is my contribution, a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label. Every one had a tiny tot. The day was great.

A couple days later, I asked Ahmed how he knew about our Christmas Day, and he responded, we know things and sometimes want to be supportive.