Tehran, a city not typically associated with Christmas, had a different kind of glow this year. Unlike cities where the streets are filled with colorful lights and Christmas trees, here, you rarely see such an atmosphere in public. The reason is simple—Tehran doesn’t have a large Christian population, and the neighborhoods with Armenian and Christian communities are quite limited.
But Karim Khan Street has always been an exception. Known as the heart of the Armenian community in Tehran, this street embraces Christmas in its own way every year. However, this year felt different. For the first time, Tehran truly felt like Christmas. The Christmas trees, the warm lights, the festive pastries—it all seemed more real than ever.
Tonight was special because it was my second time experiencing Christmas in Tehran. The first time was when I was a child, at a private event in Velenjak. That gathering was invitation-only, and thanks to a family acquaintance, we managed to attend. I still remember how magical it felt—like stepping into a different world filled with lights, colors, and the scent of delicious holiday treats. Even back then, I had an intense love for Christmas. But tonight was something else—more real, more vibrant.
It was early January 2025, and Tehran had never looked so festive before. My best friend Nazanin, whom I’ve known for over 20 years, and I decided to celebrate the night in our own way. We walked for thirty minutes in the cold just to soak in the holiday spirit. And when we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. Shop windows were decorated with Christmas trees, bakeries were filled with gingerbread cookies and festive treats, and there was an undeniable warmth in the air.
I took a little piece of that night home with me—a candle with a spiritual myrrh scent and an adorable gingerbread house. Tonight, Tehran looked different, and for the first time, I felt that Christmas wasn’t just a celebration for a specific group; it was a magical feeling that anyone could be part of…