Expats reflect on meaning of Christmas

Spreading the spirit of good tidings, cheer, and gift-giving - Christmas is more than this. It is also a celebration of love, peace, respect and living in harmony with family, friends and neighbours, say expats in the UAE, as they reflected on the meaning of Christmas.
"Christmas is a celebration of love and peace because this is the time when we highlight sharing and giving," said Filipino priest Fr. Chito Bartolo.
"Regardless of one's faith, the challenge is how we can live in harmony as this is also the time of reconciling with your enemies to make the season really merry."
Living in harmony is alive and well in the UAE because of its tolerance and respect of religions, according to Revd. Tim Heaney, parish priest for Christ Church in Jebel Ali. "We are continually grateful to be able to celebrate Christmas freely here and we thank our rulers for their hospitality and tolerance," he told Khaleej Times.
Reacting to strifes happening in some parts of the region and the world, Heaney added: "The more evil is there in the world, the more good people need to celebrate truth, beauty and love - all of which are at the heart of Christmas."
But on a personal level, living an expat life is a big challenge to many Dubai residents as what American expat Caleb Hall said: "Obviously Christmas is tough in Dubai because it's not easy when your family is far away. But me and my wife are making the best of it - we are going to a Christmas service at World Trade Centre and then enjoy a Christmas buffet at a restaurant in JLT."
A simple yet meaningful celebration is more than enough to bring good cheer.
Joshua Atkinson told KT: "My wife and I are celebrating Christmas by inviting others over to our apartment, and writing cards of appreciation to our friends and neighbours. Since we don't have the snow, Christmas carolers, and wood fires of my youth. The essence of Christmas truly is as I reflect on an inspirational quote - 'It's more blessed to give than receive.' I realise many see Christmas as a time to show kindness and give to those who are often forgotten."
For French expat Anne Cabanel, Christmas is celebrating with friends and family. "We are going to celebrate with a great dinner, prepared by a Frech chef. We will play games, quizzes and just have fun together."
Observing traditions is also important to Mirza Pearson. "Throughout the years I've made friends with other expats and we tend to gather around this time to celebrate our traditions from back home. We enjoy the festivities and then I will make my way to Oman for a nice quick getaway."
Technology has also helped people across the world celebrate Christmas.
Julia Denis, communications manager at American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates, said: "As my immediate family resides in five different countries and I am not the only expat in the family, we rarely get to see everyone in one place at the same time. At Christmas we do Skype with those family members whom we are unable to make their presence for celebrations physically, and we send gifts in advance through online sites."
"We love the way the UAE has embraced so many different traditions, just as we have embraced certain Muslim traditions, and while we do miss friends and family in other countries, we feel no less of a Christmas spirit in Dubai than in the US or Europe," Denis added.
angel@khaleejtimes
Xmas Day prayers across the UAE
St. Mary's Catholic Church, Oud Metha, Dubai
English mass : 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 10am, 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm
Arabic mass >: 11.30am, 9pm
> St. Francis Church, Jebel Ali, Dubai
English Mass : 6.15am, 7.30am, 9am, 11am, 7pm, 8pm
Sinhalese : 10am
Italian: 10am
Spanish: 12.30pm
Tagalog - 1.30pm
Tamil Mass - 3pm
Kokani - 3pm
French- 4.30pm
German - 4.30pm
Arabic - 6pm
Polish 6pm
> St. Michael's Church in Sharjah
Syro-Malabar : 3am, 3pm
English : 5.45am, 7am, 8.15am, 9.30am, 5.30 pm, 7pm
Tamil : 11am
Konkani : 11am
Marati : 11am
Arabic : 12.30pm
Tagalog : 8pm
Urdu : 8pm
Malayalam : 8.30pm
African : 8.30pm
>St. Joseph's Cathedral,Abu Dhabi
Malayalam : 4am, 8.30pm
English : 6.30am, 7.45am, 9am, 10.15am, 12nn, 4.30pm, 5.30pm. 5.45pm, 7pm, 8.15pm
French : 9am
Konkani : 10.30am
Arabic :1.30am, 7.30pm
Polish : 12pm
Italian : 4.30pm
Spanish : 6pm
Urdu : 6pm
Tamil : 7.15pm
Sinahala :7.30pm
Tagalog : 8.30pm

• Dubai