Living in Arabia, constant contradictions, surprises and sometimes disasters caused culture shock. However, one delightful but highly unknown, is Christmas cards – designed as either ‘Season’s Greetings’ and ‘Happy New Year’ cards, available in December.

In 1985, I was able to mail such cards to friends and family in the States. However, I heard other women complain that the clerks at Riyadh’s main post office refused to accept them.

Following are many Arabic cards, designed by Oriental Art Gallery and others in Dubai. Also included are two from mostly Muslim Indonesia and one from Egypt.