For two years during the Gaza war, all public celebrations for Christmas were cancelled in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank – where Christians believe Jesus was born.
But after the recent ceasefire, the holy city decided that this year the festivities would return as symbolised by the lighting of its traditional, giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Nativity Church.
It's been a bad two years of silence; no Christmas, no jobs, no work, says Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati. We're all living here from tourism and tourism was down to zero.\
The mayor accepts that the idea of resuming celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza – including for those in its tiny Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.
Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate, Mr Canawati tells me. But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us.
Locals – both Christians and Muslims - pose for selfies in front of the tree hung with red and gold baubles in Manger Square. They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists.
Brightly coloured lights now decorate the streets and there are signs advertising Christmas bazaars and children's parties.
We're very happy to have the tree, first thing, and to see foreigners in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit, says local jewellery designer Nadya Hazboun.
Among the hopeful chatter, the neighbouring towns of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour are also planning to light Christmas trees in the coming days. Hotels, which have stood largely empty for the past two years, are seeing an influx of bookings from Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as some foreign visitors.
However, amid the festive spirit, many in Bethlehem are still contending with a grim economic outlook. High unemployment rates persist due to the impact of the ongoing conflict, which has severely dented the local tourism industry.
This is a tourist city; without tourism there is no life, says Hamza, a tour guide, expressing hope that visitors will return in time for Christmas. Despite ongoing difficulties, locals pray for peace and welcome the chance to share Bethlehem’s holiday spirit with the world once again.
