This year, Mohammad Hussain celebrated Christmas for the first time.
- Since he was unable to travel home, he decided to celebrate the festive season with his roommates in Canada.
- He shared his “anthropological observations” on Twitter where he received praise and recognition.
- Among many others, Justin Trudeau replied to Hussain and confirmed that his observations were correct.
Hussain explained that, prior to this year, he had never celebrated Christmas.
First, Hussain observed that celebrating Christmas feels like having a part-time job.
Growing up, my Muslim family never celebrated Christmas. This year I am not going home, because pandemic, so my roommates are teaching me how to have my first proper Christmas.
I am approaching this with anthropological precision.
Here are a few observations. pic.twitter.com/1WARv5nax4
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Observation 1: Christmas is a part time job that you have from mid-November to the end of December.
From the outside looking in, Christmas always seemed pretty simple. I always thought you put up a tree and then gave gifts to family. This is a lie.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Do you want to sleep in on a Saturday? Too bad. Go put up some lights inside the house.
Oh you want to sleep in on Sunday? Too bad. Go put up some lights outside the house.
Next weekend? Nope. Every free moment you have will be spent agonizing over the gifts you must buy.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Then, he shared his observations regarding traditions and Christmas gifts.
Observation 2: People have very strong feelings about their Christmas traditions.
If someone is insisting that *certain food* is what you have to eat Christmas morning, because that's their family tradition, DO NOT SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES. They will stab you in the neck.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Observation 3: You can buy yourself a gift but you can't stuff your own stocking.
I don't understand this one but I told my roommate I bought stuff for my stocking and they said that's not a thing.
I don't care. I bought myself mint chapstick and I will fake surprise.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Observation 4: Your gift budget does not matter.
You can set this budget as high as you want but the perfect gift will always be $10 too expensive. There is no winning. Just give up.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
To truly feel the Christmas spirit, Hussain even bought a ‘keeper’ ornament.
Observation 5: There are two streams of Christmas ornaments. The "fillers" and the "keepers".
The fillers are the generic ones. The keepers are meant to be more special and unique. This second stream is stored in your family's reliquary to be one day passed on to the children.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
My roommates encouraged me to buy my own keeper ornament. They told me to find something that made me smile and that was special to me. I bought this one and I am very happy. It is an everything bagel. pic.twitter.com/dbrTZQzK47
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Observation 6: ORNAMENTS ARE EXPENSIVE.
That cost me $15.99. That's more than three everything bagels. I am furious. For what it cost, you best believe that I am insisting that it be passed on to my great grandchildren. If they break it I will haunt them.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Finally, he commented on religion and Christmas ‘menus’ before announcing his conclusion.
Observation 7: The religious aspect of Christmas is optional.
I really like this one. If I was to suggest having a secular Ramadan to my mother she would have a heart attack. I will however be trying to get my family to do a Secret Santa for Eid. The name's being workshopped.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Observation 8: You need a "menu".
Yeah… This one is where they lost me. Last Christmas my family ordered Popeyes and watched a movie. My roommate has an entire menu with wine pairings and desserts planned.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
To wrap things up I want to applaud longtime Christmas celebrators. This is a lot of work and very tiring.
I will say I am having a very pleasant time. I am learning that I enjoy Christmas music and gift purchasing. I am also learning that I do not enjoy peppermint.
— Mohammad Hussain (@MohammadHussain) December 19, 2020
Hussain’s Twitter thread quickly went viral as it brought joy to thousands of people.
Twitter users praised Hussain for his observations. Moreover, they explained that his posts had warmed their hearts as they reminded them of just how special the holiday season truly is. Among the numerous people who praised him, Justin Trudeau also commented on Hussain’s post.
Yeah, that about sums it up… thanks for sharing what you’ve learned so far. Sophie and I are sending you and your roommates our best wishes this Christmas, and we’re glad to hear you’re enjoying it all so far!
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) December 21, 2020
I think it's quite Canadian that we get to thank a man name Mohammad for bringing us such joy this Christmas season. https://t.co/db6yEd1GaL
— Alex Wellstead (@AlexWellstead) December 21, 2020
