AS the festive season rolls in, there’s often the same discussion between Muslim families, will they celebrate the holiday season?

The answer is not a simple yes or no, many Muslim families enjoy the lead up, and many even join in on Christmas celebrations, but the religious side is left out.

Heera Muslam, a Muslim mummy blogger from Bolton, shares her experiences on what she does on Christmas.

“I like it, but I don’t celebrate it to the extent where I have decorations up and give presents.

“I do however, cook dinner with my family and we will sit and eat together.

“So, we do in a way have Christmas dinner, because everyone is at home for once, which doesn’t even happen on Eid.

“I think Christmas is family time, and there isn’t anything wrong with taking part in some things like the cooking and seeing family.

“Sometimes I might even get some Christmas crackers, but that’s about it.”

The mum of one-year-old Adam says she would like to keep the present-giving as something to be done at Eid, as this also makes Eid special, but does not think Muslims cannot celebrate festivities.

“I will give presents at Eid, because then everyone in my family will do something, but Christmas is still a special holiday time, where we can all get together.”

Bolton based fashion designer, Rizwana Matadar will not be home for this Christmas as she spends it in Saudi Arabia performing the Islamic pilgrimage Umrah.

The mum also said she does not celebrate Christmas in the way she celebrates Eid, but also marks it as a prime family time.

Mrs Matadar said: “This year I definitely will not be celebrating, as I will be going to Ummrah.

“Last year for Christmas, it was pretty chilled and for once my husband was home, because he is usually working.

“For us, it’s not much different on Christmas, we don’t really do anything, and the food we cook is what I would have cooked anyway for a family day at home.

“I know others who may do more, but that is up to the individual.”

Christmas was previously associated with pagan celebrations of Yule before they were merged with the celebrations for the birth of Jesus.

Muslims in Pakistan also may celebrate with their Christian friends, offering greetings and messages, but also because it is the birthday of the Pakistan founder, Quaid-e-Azam, so a nationwide holiday is enjoyed.