FUJAIRAH // Christian expatriates are celebrating Christmas in many ways this year, some spending time with family and friends at home, while others are taking the opportunity to help people in need.
“It’s a very special time of the year. My kids enjoy the preparations and the Christmas tree decoration. We end up having decorations that would cover three trees, not one,” said Dima Sbaih, a 36-year-old Lebanese mother living in Fujairah.
Ms Sbaih moved to the emirate with her husband in February from Dubai and said the contrast between the two when it came to Christmas was clear.
While the festive spirit is evident in malls and public places in Dubai, she said Fujairah was a little bit different.
“The city is somehow quiet at Christmas compared to Dubai and also to the place where I come from,” she said.
“In Lebanon, the streets and houses would light up for such occasions and you can find celebrations everywhere, even in small grocery shops.”
Donna Claveria, a 28-year-old Filipina who works in retail in Fujairah, said that each year she celebrated Christmas with her roommates and friends by having a feast with food and good company. “I moved here in 2011 and, since then, I have been celebrating Christmas with my roommates and friends,” she said.
“Each Christmas we cook and buy gifts for each other, it’s part of what we do back home.
“I can’t compare it to my hometown celebrations because you can’t compare anything with the family spirit, although I call my family each time and I send them money to buy presents but still I miss out a lot [by not being home].”
Her roommate, Melay Garbo, 26, also from Philippines, said: “It’s good to have great company here while away from the family. I also think of the people in need and like to donate clothes and money with the help of the church each Christmas, and I encourage my friends to do so.”
The only Christmas service of note in Fujairah was held by the Immanuel Church of Fujairah at Fujairah Tennis and Country Club on Tuesday, and traditional carols were sung, food eaten and the meaning of Christmas explained.
Elsewhere in the emirate, many hotels are offering Christmas brunches and dinner buffets, such as Siji hotel apartments, Novotel and Hilton on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
rhaza@thenational.ae
