BEIRUT, Lebanon, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Celebrating Christmas, New Year, or any other holiday -- or even summer vacation -- has always been a challenge for Lebanese living abroad and their families back home. The constant fear of war, violence and insecurity leaves them with the same last-minute question every time: Is it safe to go there?
This year, Lebanese determination to celebrate the end-of-year holidays was exceptional, despite Israel's continued strikes and threats of a wider war.
Christmas went ahead in full swing, with illuminated trees lighting up major cities and towns, and more than 45 festivals and markets across the country.
The holiday season reached its climax in mid-December with a surge of Lebanese in the diaspora, many making last-minute decisions to travel home as reports circulated that Israel had eased its warnings of a wider escalation against Hezbollah and the Lebanese state.
They were joined by a growing number of Arab and foreign tourists, giving a much-needed boost to Lebanon's tourism and economy.
