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.

Sarah Subhani along with her children in Blackburn has a Christmas tree up inside her home, and even gifts her daughters Arooj and Sofia.

The mum of two, said: “We don’t go to the church or take part in any prayers, but we do give gifts to families, and we’ll have the turkey too.

“We will decorate the house, and spend the day with family, eating a Christmas meal and playing games.”

Ms Subhani has always taken part in festivities and credits her late dad on starting the celebration of the holiday.

She said: "My Dad did not want us to feel left out, because everyone else was celebrating it.

“We would go to see Santa Claus, because we did it all at school and nothing would be open on Christmas, so you were all home.

“I went to Pakistan during Christmas holidays once, and I saw both Muslims and Christians giving gifts and saying Merry Christmas to everyone.

“It didn’t matter to them who was Christian or Muslim, they were having fun regardless.”

Christmas in Pakistan is celebrated by Christians, who are usually given holiday to spend time with their families, while Muslim families also take part in festivities as it is also the Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam, so a nationwide holiday is enjoyed.

Massarat Rashid from Blackburn does not put up any decorations or attend church, but she does cook food and see her family.

The mum said: “I spend the day with my sons, and we usually invite family over and have a nice meal.

“We do this because everyone is home and it is nice to do, although, I never have any decorations or anything.

“If we have neighbours who celebrate it, then we will give them a present or food.

“A woman who once moved in next door, while she was Christian, she did not have any decorations, because that was not how she wanted to celebrate it.

“It’s nice to see your family gather around together, and for me it’s the same on Eid as well, I know many families will celebrate Eid with lights and decorations, but I just prefer simplicity.”

Ms Subhani adds: “It depends on the family, some may be stricter, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with celebrating it.”

Christmas was previously associated with pagan celebrations of Yule.