Monday 24 December 2012

Christmas in Dubai

It's funny, as I run around the city, going to the mall and showing my mum all our haunts, you wouldn't know you were in an Islamic country. There are Christmas trees and decorations, there are lights and carols, there are countdowns and cheers. There's fake snow and reindeers and there's Santa.

Christmas is well and truly alive in Dubai. The girls sang Christmas songs at school and did Christmas craft. A couple of weeks ago, as I was buying decorations for our tree, I stood at the shelves wondering whether to get the gold or the silver tinsel and I turned to my right and saw a veiled woman buying up baubles and Santas. I turned to my left and saw a sari-clad woman doing the same. It seems that just as we were happy to celebrate Eid and Diwali, everyone else is happy to join in on the Christmas caper.

I love the tolerance of this country. It's not going to be like a Christmas at home, there won't be a Boxing Day, there won't be a trail of family to visit, and there are many people we are missing, but it's still Christmas. Santa makes a drop off in Dubai, so the kids don't miss out. We'll eat our turkey and trimmings, we'll open our presents and enjoy being together.

I hope you all do the same, wherever you are and with whoever you share the day. Have a wonderful and joyous Christmas!


6 comments:

  1. That is a beautiful thing to read Corinne. I love the idea of Christmas being alive and well all over the world... and equally, I love the acknowledgement and acceptance of other religions and other cultures special days too. Has me thinking if everyone saw it this way, there would be a lot less problems in the world.
    Hope you have a wonderful celebration with your gorgeous family, such magical memories you're creating there xoxo

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  2. We celebrate both Ramadan and Christmas here in Australia too - its a beautiful thing when your kids can experience the best of all worlds. Enjoy your Christmas xx

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  3. Sharing and celebrating tradiions from other cultures and reglions is lovely.
    Have a great Christmas.

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  4. Merry Xmas lovely to you and the family!!!
    Keep the blogs coming!!!
    You know I panic when they are not there to read
    xxxxx

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  5. Wishing you and yours a magical Christmas.
    It's one you will never forget.
    I have loved where 2012 has taken you and look forward to what 2013 holds for all of us.
    Enjoy your Mum time.
    XxX

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  6. Merry Christmas Corinne - enjoy your fabulous adventure xx

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Thank you so much for your comments! I'm always thrilled to hear from you.

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