Christmas shopping and fanfare in full swing

Dubai: Christmas shopping and decorations are in full swing in Dubai, with residents and malls gearing up for the occasion on December 25.

Shoppers are busy buying gifts for loved ones and adorning their homes with traditional Christmas decorations.

Many people Gulf News spoke with said their Christmas shopping budget this year is Dh1,000-Dh2,000.

Preparations start as early as December 1 for some residents while others wait until a day or two before Christmas to buy gifts and decorations, they added.

Besides heading for the malls, online Christmas shopping is also a rising trend.

“Online stores offer more Christmas deals,” said Indian expat Anthony Das, 29. “It’s also convenient to shop online because they deliver [to your doorstep],” he said.

Das usually spends about Dh1,500 and started shopping two or three days back. “I also send some money home during the season,” he said.

Another shopper, Roselle Mercado, 34, a Filipina, said her routine spend is around Dh2,000 — on toys for children and clothes for grown-ups.

“I started with purchasing the decorations a month ago and buying gifts just last week. I haven’t finished Christmas shopping yet, I’m looking for deals,” Mercado added.

Lorena Molina, 35, also from the Philippines, said she likes to buy gift items that people can use everyday, such as watches or shoes.

“Sometimes I spend Dh1,000, sometimes Dh2,000. It depends [from year to year],” Molina added.

She said she is usually fully prepared for Christmas a week or two in advance but was taking it slow this year because of her pregnancy.

“There are only a few days left [for Christmas] and I’m trying to catch up.”

A number of malls are decked out for the festive season with large Christmas trees, tinsel, lights and make-believe snow. Some venues are also playing Christmas carols.

Around the city, windows and balconies of many apartments are also decked out in Christmas lights. In offices too, Christmas cheer is evident as many members of the expat community celebrate the season.