A man shows a 2023 sign in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 27, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Photo shows a Santa Claus toy at a store in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 27, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Photo shows Christmas gifts outside of a store in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 27, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

A man holds a Santa Claus doll in front of a store in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 27, 2022.(Photo: Xinhua)

 
Despite the difficult economic conditions, boutiques in Cairo, the Egyptian capital, are thronged with customers who come to buy gifts and decorations for the upcoming New Year and the Coptic Christmas that falls on Jan. 7.

"Celebrating the New Year is common among Egyptians, when family members gather in an intimate atmosphere to welcome it with hope and love," Issac Lamia, a taxi driver from Cairo, told Xinhua when buying gifts for the holiday.

The middle-aged man said the prices this year are much higher than those in previous years, so he chose to buy cheaper gifts and decorations he can afford.

"I bought a Santa Claus toy, a tree, and some gifts for my two kids and wife," Lamia said, adding celebrating the new year brings happiness to the family, especially children.