Christmas in Dubai

Yes, they have Christmas in Dubai. Just like at home, the malls are decked in their Christmas finery and the Christmas tunes are being piped in for your shopping pleasure. Of course, it isn't quite as pervasive as back home. We're not seeing the houses lit up driving down the street. But our next door neighbors have put up a wreath. The garden centers are advertising their live Christmas trees - and not too expensive either. But with our upcoming trip to Egypt and being gone for 10 days, we have decided that the tree would become too much of a tinder box in the house. We have hung the stockings for St. Nick's arrival last Saturday (a couple days too late, I know).

For those reading from the upper midwest, I've heard about the arrival of snow. Hopefully, it will be a white Christmas (would be the first time in many years). I just checked Yahoo and I see we have the same temperature (25C here and 25F at home). Well, I had to say it, sorry. As much as I was pining away for autumn, I can say I'm not feeling the same way about winter. Definitely this is the time of year when desert living has its rewards.

When looking for options on a Christmas trip we had originally considered going to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic to visit the Christmas markets - but the thought of tramping about in snow without having brought our snow boots to Dubai - my toes started to ache from frostbite just thinking about it. So, instead we will be seeing Santa in Hurghada (on the Red Sea in Egypt). I figured - well, we've come here to experience the Middle East so why would we go up to the snowy north? So, sun and beach are in our Christmas plan.

nancyj said... I'm wondering what you will do with your pets for the 10 days you are gone? Will Basil go with or isn't he allowed to travel between countries now that he's planted in the UAE?
I guess if we wanted we could take him to Egypt, but he's not going with us. We have found a good vet who offers kenneling services. Basil has already been their 2 times (once when we were in Turkey and again for our trip to Oman). This time, the cats are going, too. We found out that the neighbors - who we thought might look in on the cats from day to day - are also going back to the UK.

Kathie said...
But on TV are they playing over and over and over again ....A Christmas Carol-various versions, Its a Wonderful Life (love it), don't forget A Charlie Brown Christmas (would not be Christmas without it), Miracle on 34th St., How the Grinch Stole Christmas, White Christmas, and don't forget Home Alone, and last but not least A Christmas Story-gotta get one of those lamps!
I don't know - I guess so. But we don't have a television here. My sister brought some Christmas videos. So, we now have the Grinch, Year w/o Santa Claus, some others, and I've always had Charlie Brown