Syrian refugees invited to celebrate Christmas Eve with Winnipeg family - Action News
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Manitoba

Syrian refugees invited to celebrate Christmas Eve with Winnipeg family

It`s been a week of firsts for a family of Syrian refugees who escaped the war-torn country last Saturday. First time in Winnipeg, first time seeing snow and now, their first Christmas Eve celebration.
Syrian refugee Mosa Alaskar arrived in Winnipeg on December 19 with his wife and children. (Jacques Marcoux/CBC News)

It`s been a week of firsts for a family ofSyrian refugees who recently escaped the war-torn region.First time in Winnipeg, first time seeing snow and now, theirfirst Christmas Eve celebration.

WinnipeggerQahtanNamimetthe family of seven at James RichardsonAirport last Saturday and decided he wanted to show them a Canadian Christmas.

Although NamiisMuslim, he says he beganembracingcertain aspects of the Christmasholiday traditionsabout five years ago.

"It became more of a tradition. Everybody celebrates and so we're in the mood, and our kids, they're looking [forward]to Christmas, so what makes people happy, makes me happy," he said.

Hewantedto extend the same generosity he received when he first arrived in Winnipeg from Libya over a decade ago as a student.

"I hope they take away that there are people who will welcome them in Winnipeg," he said.

Nami says the Alaskar family who arrived on a flight from Jordan are doing their best to adjust to their new lives in Winnipeg.

Qahtan Nami has invited a family of Syrian refugees to celebrate with his family on Christmas eve. (Jacques Marcoux/CBC News)

The father of the refugee family, MosaAlaskar,saysthesupport he's received from the community since his arrival will make adjusting to life in Winnipeg easier.Over the last four days,Alaskar says numerousvolunteers offeredassistance.

As for the Christmas Eve menu, Nami says they will try to stick with Syrian fare for the night.

"We going to try to make it close to what Syrian food is...we're not familiar with it, but we are trying and hope they like it."