Airstrikes instead of snow, and funerals instead of celebration, Christmas is looking unusually different in the Middle East.

After Syria’s longtime dictator, Bashar al-Assad, was overthrown by an Islamist rebel group, the rebel group led persecution against many minority communities, including Christian, Druse, and Alawite communities in Syria. For example, hundreds of people protested in Christian communities, carrying wooden crosses as they marched through the streets. Under the new government, Christians are not allowed to practice their religions freely.

Recently, during the Christmas season, Christian protests broke out after a footage showed masked men standing around a burning artificial Christmas tree. It is unclear why the tree was burned, or who the people were. The Christian protesters in the capital marched toward churches to demand for better protection for Christians in the country.

In the Gaza Strip, war was raging between Hamas and Israel. Therefore, for the second year in a row, a Christmas tree will not be hoisted in the city known as the birthplace of Jesus. This year’s celebrations will be limited to prayers and religious rituals in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, decorations are put up in Christian parts of Beirut. The decorations are used to celebrate just weeks after a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

However, there are no parties for the children, no music recitals, and, similarly to Gaza, no Christmas trees this year.

Compared to three years ago, Christmas is looking a little unprecedented. As political powers clash, their citizens must adapt to the changes, sorrows, and danger.