Let spirit of Christmas and New Year bring joy to the world, religion is no bar

Despite the festive mood, the news of chaos and turmoil from around the world may lead many to be cynical with regard to acquiring a jovial attitude in celebrating Christmas and the New Year. Nevertheless, we need to perceive it as an opportunity for reflection and a chance for a renewal of our hopes and aspirations.

For no definite or rational reasons, humankind tends to acquire a generous spirit during such festive occasions. Regardless of their religious significance, Christmas and the New Year easily and continuously bring the best of our traits to the forefront. We tend to be empathetic, sympathetic and compassionate towards those less fortunate, whether it is donating to charities or opening up our homes and sharing the festive feast with neighbours and the destitute.

We ought to seize the generous spirit of the holidays to understand that we must transcend our political, social, racial and religious differences to collaborate in our struggle to ensure a better world.

History has taught us that wars, whether military or trade-related, benefit no one, while devastating the lives of millions. Hence the need for constructive dialogue and compromise. Empty threats and rhetorical, irrational and impulsive statements from leaders resolve no conflicts, and the biggest victims are the ordinary people they lead.

Silent Night: Salzburg pays homage to 200-year-old carol that put first world war on pause

As individuals, regardless of our racial, religious or political leanings, we must rid ourselves of any misconceptions regarding the man-made differences between us. We all have the same hopes and needs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we stopped setting up walls of difference between us and dealt with one another as fellow human beings?

Special events, regardless of their origin and significance, provide us with a golden opportunity to extend our hands and open our hearts and minds – to reach out and make a difference.

Regardless of your religious beliefs and racial background, wish your Christian neighbours, foreign friends and co-workers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, hoping that they will reciprocate and share your own festivities with you.

Through laughter and nourishment of the souls and minds, through awareness of each other’s traditions and cultures, we can get closer to achieving harmony.

As a born Muslim, I try to share all special events with my fellow human beings, because I do believe that we desperately need joyous occasions to restore our faith in humanity and end the hatred and discrimination that attempt to swallow up our chance at achieving eternal peace.

Sava Hassan, Beijing