Iraq declares Christmas a national holiday

While "Christian" countries are increasingly anti-Christmas, Iraq is going in the opposite direction; as reported by Voice of America News, December 25, 2018 (links in original):

The Iraqi government has declared Christmas Day a national holiday across the country "on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ."

December 25 will now be a holiday for residents of the predominantly Muslim country, not just the Christians as it had been for decades.

The government said in a tweet Tuesday:

We extend our warmest wishes to Christians in Iraq and around the world for a very happy and peaceful Christmas. pic.twitter.com/eqOR2JJ0LS

— Government of Iraq - الحكومة العراقية (@IraqiGovt) December 25, 2018

Before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, there were an estimated 1.5 million Christians in Iraq. The number has fallen to about 300,000, with many being killed or forced to flee after coming under attack by various armed groups, including Islamic State, over the years.