Abu Dhabi : ‘Tis Christmas Time in the City

The mid December solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.  In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21, 2006 at 7:22 PM. EST.

While the beginning of summer marks the longest day of the year, the winter solstice brings the shortest day and the longest night of the year.  It also marks the beginning of the season of celebrations for Christmas.  Everyone loves this time of the year as it is always filled with such a happy, and loving sentiment.

With only 3 days more for Christmas, the countdown to Christmas has truly begun, especially in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  Most of the schools have closed for the winter vacation and the Christmassy feeling is in.  The malls are decked with Christmas decorations, Santa Claus is busy distributing goodies to children, the confectionery and sweet shops are brimming with customers, Christmas carols playing and you cant help humming some of them…

City sidewalk, busy sidewalks
dressed in holiday style.
In the air there’s
a feeling of Christmas.

Children laughing, people passing,
meeting smile after smile,
And on every street corner you’ll hear:

Silver bells, silver bells,
It’s Christmas time in the city.
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring,
soon it will be Christmas day.

The Saint Joseph’s Church in Abu Dhabi heralded the coming of Christmas by holding the Christmas Bazaar on 8th December, 2006. 

This weekend most of the Indian Clubs and Associations are having kids Christmas parties for children and in the air there is a feeling of Christmas.

Christmas time is also a time for keeping in touch with loved ones,  a time for renewing old friendships which have been waning due to the hustle and bustle of a busy life,  a time for forgiveness and a time for sharing our love and cheer with those less fortunate than us.  It is also  a good time to reflect on the year gone by and endeavor to have a spiritual cleansing of your mind and body and bring yourself closer to God.

My wish for everyone is that we all continue our Christmas feelings of joy and cheer throughout the year.  If every day was like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Author: Judith Serrao- Abu Dhabi