By Taghreed saadeh
From Bethlehem to the world, Christmas Eve unfolds as a moment of deep significance for Palestinians, as celebrations begin in the city and are broadcast worldwide. Dreams always carry me away during this season. It becomes a time of pause, a break from work, and a rare chance to sit with oneself and reflect on what has passed and what awaits, in preparation for the year ahead.
In my city in Edmonton, I live through the harshest weather; the biting cold makes me question every day, why am I here? Sometimes it feels like a human punishment. But I remind myself that my work requires me to travel at least once a month, especially to Europe where the weather is beautiful. These trips feel like a gift from God, a brief respite from everything, even from the harsh climate.
I have three children, all at university, in fields far removed from media and the arts. That is their choice, despite my insistence since their childhood that they learn music, guitar, and art, and that they break free from rigid academic patterns. The beautiful thing is that my son enrolled in cooking classes while still in school and has become a skilled chef at home, following my advice. I feel proud that a man has learned to cook because of me. By the way, he is studying law, and his heart is with Palestine.
I always make discussions with my children simple, summarizing any behavior into two principles. First: treat people as you would like to be treated, and put yourself in their shoes whenever you make decisions affecting others. Second: handle every situation as if it were your last; this way, you refine constant awareness. It does not mean being overly polite at all times, but the principle will inspire you to make the right decision whenever you must stand up for yourself. Morality is a continuous idea, not something to use at mood, as chaotic people try to teach us. I believe my children have learned a lot from this.
Recently, I have been preoccupied with the issue of the Palestinian narrative being hijacked in art and exploited by those who are not Palestinian artists. Palestine is a compelling story today, and we fear many will try to claim it. It is a Palestinian right, and Palestinians are the first and most capable to speak about it. Most importantly, claims by one group to hold a “resistance” ideology and another to embrace “submission” only confuse us as Palestinians and distract from real discussion. I am planning a cultural conference to examine these issues, and it is urgent.
Failure in friendship is a bitter feeling, though sometimes unavoidable, especially after what we have endured politically in Palestine, particularly the Gaza wars. I have lost some lifelong friends, not due to my shortcomings, misunderstandings, or disputes, but because of direct accusations of collaboration based on my stance toward Hamas. It was a difficult year personally, not because I cared what they said, but because it revealed much about them that I had never known. I felt sorrow, as the world seems narrower than we imagine.
In my heart is pain for Gaza, for Palestine, and for a cruel world that loves appearances and ignores the truth. Its rhythm is fast, confusing many, preventing deep reflection on decisive events. Simplification dominates television, social media, and online platforms. Yet, in life, there is still a part of reason that I chase, approach, and cling to.
Merry Christmas to my family, to Palestine, and to all pure-hearted souls who speak the truth and fear no one, without harming others.
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