In the Christian homes an unusual ceremony is held in the courtyard of the home on Christmas Eve.
There are hopes that Iraq may have started on the path to stability. After all, civilisation as we know it once emerged from this region.
Traditional Iraqi drinks include coffee, akar and mint tea. Arabic coffee is strong and bitter, served before or after a meal and often accompanied by cream and sugar. Arak is a national alcoholic drink made from aniseed.