Clark W. Griswald

In the middle class Christian neighborhood of Qasaa, not far from where I live, the spirit of Christmas, or at least the spirit of putting up gaudy Christmas light displays, is alive and well.

The wattage from the lights, strung along apartment balconies, is enough to light up the streets. Icicle lights are mandatory; if they blink, all the better. The best displays include flashing bells, as if ringing; flashing stars, as if shooting; flashing reindeer, as if prancing.

Some spell Christmas greetings, always in English. Others include, “2007"; in one display, the "6" blinks to "7".