![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Making special dishes and sweets: Iranians celebrate Christmas Eve with special dishes, including traditional Persian flavors and ingredients. These may include roasted chicken, rice pilaf, and shir berenj (a type of rice pudding). For dessert, they may make cookies, pastries, or halva (a sticky, sweet confection made from flour, butter, and sugar). Each dish is cooked with extra care and love, and the aroma of the dishes fills the air during the holiday season.