How much more beautiful would Bosnia and Herzegovina be if we lived the holiday spirit every day!

By: Rasim Belko

Imagine Bosnia and Herzegovina where every day carries that special feeling that overcomes us during Eid, Christmas, Easter, or Hanukkah. Days when houses open to neighbors, when streets smell of warm pie and baklava, when children play together, and elders exchange smiles and stories over coffee.

Days when political tensions subside, and humanity comes to the fore. What if we transferred that holiday spirit, that warmth and togetherness, into every day? And what if our political leaders, instead of empty holiday greetings, lived the essence of those words — respect, peace, and cooperation — every day?

Holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina are like a magical moment when everything falls into place. On Eid, people visit each other, children joyfully collect Eid money, and homes are filled with the aroma of sarma and baklava. On Christmas, candles are lit, česnica is baked, and neighbors exchange plates of homemade cookies. Easter brings colorful eggs and laughter, while Hanukkah illuminates homes with the light of hope. In those moments, regardless of faith or tradition, we all share the same — joy, warmth, and the desire to be together. There are no divisions, no harsh words, no fear of tomorrow. Streets are full of laughter, and hearts are full of hope.

And then, there are our political leaders. During holidays, they compete in greetings, visit mosques, churches, synagogues, and humanitarian organizations, speaking of peace, unity, and prosperity. And, at least for a moment, it seems they believe in those words. We see them shaking hands with citizens, sharing smiles, and promising a better future.

But what if those greetings were more than empty phrases? What if the essence of those words — respect for everyone, desire for peace, working for the common good — became their daily mission? Imagine how much more pleasant our country would be to live in if politicians did what they promise in their holiday messages: built bridges instead of walls, listened to the people instead of competing with harsh statements, worked for all of us, not just for their own interests.

If all of us, the citizens, retained the holiday spirit in our daily lives, our Bosnia and Herzegovina would be a place where neighbors visit each other every day, where children play without questions about religion or nationality, where one person's success is celebrated as everyone's success. Imagine streets where, instead of news of political conflicts, you hear stories of people helping each other — from sharing food to jointly tidying up parks. Imagine starting every morning with a smile, with coffee in a neighbor's yard, with the feeling that we are part of something bigger, something warm and human.

And if politicians lived the essence of their holiday greetings, we would see leaders who not only talk about unity but also build it. We would see politics that does not divide but unites. Instead of press conferences full of accusations, we would see agreements for better schools, hospitals, and jobs. Instead of a struggle for power, we would see a struggle for a dignified life for every citizen. Because if they can be like that during the holidays, why can't they be every day?

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a soul that can make every day a holiday. In a country where a mosque, a church, and a synagogue are located on the same street, togetherness is not just possible — it is our strength. If we, the citizens, live the holiday spirit every day — sharing, helping, laughing together — and if our leaders finally understand that their holiday words are an obligation, not just a tradition, this country can become a place where every day is joyful, pleasant, and filled with hope.

Let our Eids, Christmases, Easters, and Hanukkahs be a reminder that we can do better. Let them inspire us to open our hearts and homes every day, to build unity, and to demand that our leaders turn words into deeds. Because Bosnia and Herzegovina deserves to have every day be a holiday — a holiday of humanity, solidarity, and hope.

If we could do it yesterday, we can do it today. Let's do it every day.