Well Christmas is fast approaching but it doesn't quite feel like it....
Our tree is up. Lights are on. Nativity is set on the table. Yet, things still feel different. Most likely it is because we are not in our usual element. We are used to chilly air, deer lease time, campfires, jackets, gloves, tobagons, etc.... Here it is sunny and 75-80F with a nice breeze each day. Sounds awesome right? Well take away the fact that it is Christmas time, and yes the weather is AWESOME!
It has been very hard getting into the Christmas spirit, but things aren't bad....just different. The people here in the Land of Sand, try very hard to make the expats feel at home. They have Christmas decor in the malls and the store fronts. There is an entire section of the local "Wal-Mart" aka Carrefour and LuLu's, dedicated to artificial trees and decorations. I even purchased a nativity scene a couple of weeks ago. There are announcements in all the papers and magazines for gingerbread house activities and meet Santa events for families, that are being hosted at multiple locations throughout the UAE. Recently, there was even an event called "Caroling in the Desert", but I was not able to attend...bummer! So Christmas stuff is here, just different.
The main thing that we all need to remember, no matter where we are, is that it really doesn't matter where you are during the holidays. It just matters who you are spending that time with...FAMILY and close FRIENDS, as well as, WHO are you celebrating? JESUS is the REASON for every SEASON!
Our tree is up. Lights are on. Nativity is set on the table. Yet, things still feel different. Most likely it is because we are not in our usual element. We are used to chilly air, deer lease time, campfires, jackets, gloves, tobagons, etc.... Here it is sunny and 75-80F with a nice breeze each day. Sounds awesome right? Well take away the fact that it is Christmas time, and yes the weather is AWESOME!
 |
| Tree in the Living Room |
 |
| Tree upstairs on the landing |
The main thing that we all need to remember, no matter where we are, is that it really doesn't matter where you are during the holidays. It just matters who you are spending that time with...FAMILY and close FRIENDS, as well as, WHO are you celebrating? JESUS is the REASON for every SEASON!
