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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in UAE

David Light asks, does the festive cheer swell every year?

IT ACTUALLY BEGAN in September. My first 'what are you doing for Christmas?' email. What started as a trickle, however, soon evolved into a rampaging river rapid of offers, festive greetings and (I'm not grumbling about this one) biscuits and cakes, which came flowing my way.
I'm not having a go at getting into the holiday spirit. My gripe comes with how early it begins. As soon as the novelty pumpkins and witches hats of Halloween are disposed of, out come figurines of Santa and his merry band of non-unionised, presumably underage elves, smiling at the fact they are marooned in their North Pole sweatshop cobbling together gifts. Remember, this is November 1 - 54 days from Christmas Eve.
As retail in the UAE is one of its biggest industries, it is no wonder the country buys into it. Though over my considerable number of years here, I have noticed decorations getting more extravagant and going up earlier. There are now snowmen in my local corner shop, reindeer skipping through my neighbour's front drive and a whole wall dedicated to yuletide candy and products at the supermarket. Bear in mind, it's still not even December.
In fact it comes to something when Starbucks becomes the champion of understatement. Much has recently been made of the coffee company's decision to leave the tinsel and snowflakes off its annual Christmas cup. Usually adorned with all sorts of Xmas artwork, this year the cup is simply red and green - a move that has inexplicably angered parts of conservative America. Because nothing says 'celebrating the birth of Jesus' more than a picture of a tree with a star at its peak, right? I applaud the decision to leave it to interpretation. Especially as, did I mention, the festival is still over a MONTH away.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, just find it a bit of fun, or use it as an excuse to party, go for it by all means. I'll be digging out my gaudy sweater for sure. Just let's not draw it out for months on end. Why can't we go crazy for a week or two, rather than this ever-expanding time frame we have to endure year on year?
david@khaleejtimes.com