For two years during the war in Gaza, all public Christmas celebrations were canceled 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 celebrations would return, as symbolized by the lighting of the traditional giant Christmas tree in front of the historic Church of the Nativity.
"It's been two bad years of silence; no Christmas," said Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati.
"We all live here from tourism and tourism had dropped to zero."
The mayor admits that the idea of resuming the celebrations was not without controversy, as suffering continues in Gaza - including for those in its small Christian community, many of whom have relatives in Bethlehem.
"Some may say it's not appropriate and others say it's appropriate," he said.
"But deep in my heart, I felt this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or canceled. This is the light of hope for us."
Locals - both Christians and Muslims - pose for selfies in front of the tree with red and gold ornaments in Manger Square.
They are joined by a handful of foreign tourists. Brightly colored lights now illuminate the streets.
"We are very happy to have the tree, first of all, and to see strangers in Bethlehem and to be able to celebrate Christmas in its true spirit," said one resident.
"This is where it all began, so this is where we can send the message to the world about what Christmas should really be. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a good message to the whole world."
"We are preparing for Christmas after one of the most difficult periods as Palestinians and as Christians," said Alaa Salameh, owner of Afteem, a decades-old family restaurant whose revenue has fallen sharply.
With tensions still high across the region, people in Bethlehem say they are praying for peace and hoping tourists will return to the place where Christmas is believed to have begun. /Telegraph/
