Christmas in Abu Dhabi

This was the first holiday season for Miranda and I as husband and wife so we wanted to go big and we were not going to let the desert's 90-degree temperatures thaw our Christmas spirit.

So I guess it all started with a tree. It's not like they are just growing in the sand.

We maneuvered through a crazy weekend crowd at the local Carrefour to purchase our Christmas tree and other decorations. I was actually surprised they designated an entire aisle to the festive holiday season that was full of ornaments, reefs and grown-up Santa costumes.

Of course I bought the latter without thinking twice.

Back at Carrefour, they even had these little three-foot Santa figurines that shimmied around and played music every time you pushed a button. While I was trying to decide on which Santa to purchase -- the one with a saxophone and sunglasses or the rock n' roll one with a guitar -- Miranda drew a line in the sand.

"This is great but where are we going to store all this stuff after Christmas?" she asked.

She made a great point because we live in a one-bedroom apartment. But it was the most festive apartment in our building, we made sure of that. And in case you were wondering, yes, those are homemade snowflakes in the window.

When it comes to Christmas in the UAE, we were told religion takes a back seat to the overall party. Miranda and I learned this when we had coffee with her colleague from Dubai, who was born and raised in Tunisa.

As we sipped our Starbucks, he explained that if it involves a party, then everyone from the UAE likes to get involved. Sure, this may have just been his opinion and he did not speak for the entire country, but the malls were definitely onboard and my local liquor store was in a festive mood.

Unfortunately, I still had to work on Christmas day. Someone had to put out a newspaper.

But the higher ups at The National hosted a low-key turkey dinner for all the newsroom folks, which was a nice gesture and another example that everyone likes to get in on the celebration. People from all different backgrounds, countries and religions lined up for that feast.

The one thing we had in common: we worked in the media.

And whenever free food is exposed inside any newsroom, it never lasts long. Yes, we are a spry bunch. But still, I do appreciate that people from all walks of life observe Christmas here. It was a warm reception we were not expecting.

But the one thing I will always remember from this holiday season in Abu Dhabi is when Miranda and I went to Carols In The Desert, which was hosted by St. Andrews Church.

What was it, you ask? More than 1,500 expats and their kids gathered in the middle of the desert to sing, camp and spread festive cheer. It was the perfect blend of Christmas celebration and desert chill (when the sun went down, of course).

Just good people and good times.

From our desert family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas. And to all a good night.