Christmas in Dubai

Center Atrium at Mall of the Emirates

Dubai seems to be learning that there are lots of expats here that celebrate the Christmas season and as a result, there is money to be made. I feel like even just from last year, to this, the presence of Christmas has really increased. I told Wade, that in a sense it’s the perfect level of Christmas commercialism. There’s enough that you know the season is here, there are a few Christmas activities smattered throughout December to participate in but it’s far from the crowded malls, start at Halloween, in your face commercial fanfare it is in the States. It provides an opportunity, or at least an easier opportunity to focus on what the season is all about. We checked out the Christmas festival in Media City with some friends one Thursday night, and then another at Madinat Jumeriah one night while waiting for dad to get off work.

 

This night was mostly chaotic for mom, but mostly fun for the kids. The fake snow and gingerbread houses saved the night for mama.

 

 

The festival at Madinat Jumeriah was really well done, plus it had a Filipino Santa with painted white brows, so clearly, it wins.

 

I also got to visit Bode’s class to participate in a ‘fine motor skills development activity’. Oh, the ways in which they fancy up the words to make us feel better about the small fortune you are paying. I also look really tired.

And we made a cake for Victory Height’s bake sale.

And Habibi our elf made a return to the Middle East. He even brought snow one night all the way from the North Pole, knowing we don’t get any here in the desert.

As a Christmas gift, Tessa made tickets for every member of the family that they could redeem later. My personal favorite was one for her dad that he can turn in any time he likes, to take her shopping where she can pick out a surprise.