Despite it all…it’s still a Merry Christmas
Written by Talar Haidostian* (Dec. 2025)
Lebanon is no stranger to the news. Past and present conflicts, the numerous complex crises, and the instability in the region are constantly reported as the region’s political tensions continue to escalate, with no end in sight. In parallel to these, a great deal of the positive efforts made by the private sector and the newly established government, not to mention the latest visit by Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon, have also gained interest among followers. What the media fails to clearly report, however, is the human spirit of Lebanon that has survived beyond its limits, beyond its crises.
Being back home for the holiday season in Lebanon has been eventful. The newly opened restaurants, concert series, art exhibitions, and decorations all around Lebanon have created a vibrant feel in a country that has endured so much. As for the Armenian community, the many initiatives, projects, lectures, and festivities occurring during this season have been never-ending, further emphasizing the significant role the Lebanese Armenian community plays worldwide in preserving and advancing its vibrant identity.
One Sunday afternoon, as I was attending the tree-lighting ceremony in downtown Beirut at Martyr’s Square, an interaction with a family inspired me to write this piece. As loud music played in the background, hundreds gathered around the tree, counting down for it to light up Beirut. Extravagant and very loud fireworks succeeded the lighting in a city that already bears a great deal of trauma. One could argue that the fireworks signified a message of resilience and the will of the Lebanese people to greet this season, this new year, with zeal. But I left the scene with tears in my eyes, processing the interaction we had with a family of four who were standing in front of us during the celebration.
With each boom and whistle of the fireworks, I could see the father of this family anxiously moving and shaking his head while asking his daughters to leave the event. In his state of panic, he shared with us about having lost his house during the war last year, his frustration with the aftermath of the destruction, and his current state now. He and his wife broke down in tears and were guided out by their two daughters. Our interaction with them lasted less than a minute, but it was more than sufficient for us to feel an often-neglected post- traumatic pain and realize the depth and complexity of the Lebanese struggle…
What the father shared with us was only a part of his story; a story among thousands more in the country who have faced many challenges and experienced loss and displacement.
This Christmas season, as we gather with our loved ones, may we honor those who do not have houses to celebrate in, those who have lost loved ones, and those who are simply mending broken pieces, one day at a time, one event at a time. The human condition reflects a contrast between sin and revival, as well as between surrender and strength. Both the excitement of the Christmas season and this family’s crisis exemplify the human condition. A human condition in which faith and character can prevail in a place like Lebanon.
After all, despite it all… it will still be a Merry Christmas because of the One who brought us healing and light.
*Talar Haidostian is an Armenian born and raised in a multilingual and multicultural context in Beirut, Lebanon. Her passions lie in analyzing the human, cultural, religious, and international factors that shape community development. With backgrounds in Business Administration and Public Policy, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. degree in Business Leadership at Dallas Baptist University. Her roots are in Armenian Evangelical community.