CT Musings: Christmas in Dubai is now a tradition

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Why head to colder climes when the best Christmas can be had right here

“When are you going home for Christmas” That’s the typical refrain expats are treated to the world over. That along with: “Are you going anywhere for summer” Both inquiries are perfectly legitimate small talk but when you hear the same questions year after year it can make you wonder why everyone is contractually obliged to depart for the festive season.

I suppose not having children my chances to travel aren’t limited by school holidays so I don’t really appreciate the value of a long expanse of time in which to head somewhere else. It could be that if and when sproglets are produced I’ll herd them onto a plane like everyone else as soon as that bell rings at the end of term. Though having said this many of my friends don’t have kids and they traipse back to the cold every December without fail.

I guess Christmas is a time for family. It’s the one point of the year where everyone has a reason to congregate and enjoy the period. I find this slightly troubling. If you have to have an excuse to meet up then what’s the point Are you going because you want to or because you have to

For more years than I care to remember I have spent Christmas right here in Dubai. I go see my family at other points of the year. I find birthdays and weddings far more fun. Christmas in the sun has become a tradition. I’m not going to give that up. There is still something exciting about going for a dip in the sea on December 25.

A chef I was speaking to this week was talking about the time he had the opportunity to invest in a British restaurant that opened in Dubai a few years ago. He declined saying “Who is going to want to eat a roast dinner when it’s 30 degrees outside” Turns out a lot of people. He is the first to put his hands up and admit he was wrong. There is something absurdly hilarious about sitting outside in the sunshine bedecked in silly cracker crowns tucking into turkey and mince pies. I love it.

So Merry Christmas everyone. Enjoy your trip. I’m fine where I am for that particular day.

(davidkhaleejtimes.com)