The reason for the cancellation of Christmas celebration in Iraq is that

News Item 2
    Life for Christians across Iraq has been increasingly changeable in recent months, and many fear for their lives and futures following a brutal and bloody hostage-taking that left nearly 70 people dead last month at Baghdad’s Sayidet al Najat Church.
    Under threat, and in mourning for recent attacks against their community, Iraqi Christian leaders have decided to cancel most evening worship services and give up other festivities for Christmas.
    Church leaders in the northern towns of Kirkuk and Mosul, as well as the southern port city of Basra, are reported to be canceling the traditional Christmas evening mass and have asked residents in the area not to put up decorations.