The True Meaning of Christmas

At Handmade Palestine, Christmas has never been just about lights, wrapping paper, or a single day on the calendar. It is a story rooted in place, history, and purpose. It is a reminder of love born under hardship—and hope carried forward through justice.

This week, an Instagram post shared by @mashjar_juthour captured this truth with clarity and courage:

This holiday is about the birth of Jesus, who was born “behind enemy lines” in a specific place and time in history—under a foreign military occupation of Palestine that was characterized by hunger for power and social injustice. Christmas is about the beginning of the life of Jesus which he committed to promoting and pursuing social justice and love for the marginalized, oppressed, and forgotten.

This is the Christmas story we hold close.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Palestine—not in comfort or safety, but under occupation. His earliest moments unfolded in a reality marked by inequality, violence, and systemic injustice. From the very beginning, his life stood in solidarity with the poor, the displaced, and those pushed to the margins. His message was never neutral. It was radical love, compassion in action, and a relentless call for justice.

To honor Christmas is to honor that legacy.

At Handmade Palestine, we see that same spirit alive today in the artisans and small business owners across Palestine who continue to create beauty under unimaginable constraints. They are farmers, embroiderers, soap makers, wood carvers, and food producers—people who refuse to let occupation erase culture, dignity, or livelihood. Their work is an act of resistance and love.

This Christmas, giving can be more than symbolic. It can be transformative.

A Gift That Carries Meaning All Year Long

Our 2026 Handmade Palestine Subscription Boxes are an invitation to live out the true meaning of Christmas—through sustained, intentional support.

• 4 quarterly boxes delivered in February, May, August, and November
• FREE USA shipping
• Each box supports up to 25 artisan groups and small businesses in Palestine
• Over the course of one year, your single gift can support up to 100 Palestinian artisans and producers

Imagine that: a gift chosen today that continues to uplift families, preserve traditions, and sustain livelihoods throughout the year ahead.

This is not charity. It is solidarity.

Not a momentary gesture, but an ongoing commitment to justice and love—the very values at the heart of Christmas.

As we reflect on the birth of Jesus in Palestine, may we also reflect on how we show up for the marginalized and oppressed today. May our gifts tell a deeper story. And may our celebration honor the land, the people, and the radical message of love that began there.

From our community to yours—thank you for choosing to make Christmas meaningful.