UAE expats redefine holiday traditions

In the UAE, where the world meets and cultures converge, festive celebrations take on a unique flavor. For many expats, the holiday season is an opportunity to mix traditional rituals with modern twists, blending the old with the new in vibrant and meaningful ways. Whether celebrating at home or travelling abroad, it’s all about crafting moments that resonate.

For Kanessa Muluneh-Coerman, the holidays are a family-first affair, uniquely shaped by their personal milestones. “As soon as we started a family, we decided to create our own way of celebrating,” she shares. With her son Memphis’s birthday on December 27 and her husband Remco’s on January 1, the typical rush to visit extended family didn’t align with their vision.

“We never enjoyed the old-fashioned way of visiting family here and there, especially since our families live far apart,” she explains. Instead, they focus on quality time. “Our lives are so busy, so the holidays are all about being with the kids and making memories that matter.” The family-centric approach allows them to slow down and savor the festive season, prioritising togetherness over tradition.

Houri Elmayan says the holiday season is a multicultural journey that reflects her family’s diverse heritage. “We are a multicultural family, with ties to Denmark, Lebanon, Armenia, and America,” she explains. Each year, they make an effort to honour the unique traditions of these cultures. “We spend Christmas in Denmark and New Year’s in Lebanon, immersing ourselves in the distinct rituals and festivities of each place.” While it’s challenging to incorporate every tradition, Elmayan sees the beauty in trying. “Each culture is so different, but the greatest cross-cultural commonality is spending these special days with family, sharing fun and cheer, and hoping for a great year ahead.”

In Dubai, Russian entrepreneurs Konstantin Koloskov and Anastasia Davydova, hosts of the Culture Mapping podcast, take a cosmopolitan approach to celebrations. The duo delights in the city’s diversity, where every festival is an opportunity to learn and share. “In Dubai, there’s always a festival to celebrate,” Koloskov says. “You can find people of any nationality here. This city is a larger-than-life canvas of celebrations.” Their podcast often highlights cultural traditions, offering a platform for storytelling and understanding.

Davydova, who celebrates both Russian and German customs, finds joy in the contrast. “In Russian culture, New Year is the main holiday, and Christmas is more about meeting friends and being active,” she explains. Her partner’s German heritage adds another layer to her festivities. “I now celebrate Catholic Christmas in December, which is all about calmness and being with family. In January, I enjoy Russian Christmas, which is more lively. I’ve learned to appreciate the differences, and now I get to celebrate Christmas twice — how amazing is that?”

A multicultural celebration

Who says traditions can’t have a twist? The festive season is a playground for creativity, blending old customs with new adventures. From road trips and games to sacred rituals and cultural feasts, families also show how the holidays are all about strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories — no matter where in the world they are.

Muluneh-Coerman’s festive season is all about adventure and family time. “Every year, we travel to a snowy destination to spend time together in a new environment while showing the kids the world,” she says. Last year, her family flew to Sapporo, Japan, where they celebrated Christmas in true holiday spirit with a temporary tree, gifts, and a video call to all the grandparents. “We always call the grandmas and grandpas to wish them Merry Christmas,” she adds.

The celebration doesn’t end there. The days following Christmas are equally special, as the family celebrates her son Memphis’ birthday. “We shop for handout gifts for his school friends, making sure his day feels just as magical,” Muluneh-Coerman explains.

This year, the family is taking their holiday traditions on the road, starting in New York and embarking on a cross-country road trip to Aspen, Colorado. “We’ll celebrate Christmas in the car with a small tree and gifts, stopping at American diners for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Kanessa shares. A highlight of the trip will be a pit stop in Memphis, Tennessee, to celebrate their son’s birthday in the city he’s named after. “It’s going to be a road trip filled with memories, laughter, and plenty of surprises.”

On the other hand, Elmayan makes it a cultural celebration that spans multiple countries and traditions. Her Danish roots mean Christmas is a month-long celebration filled with charming rituals. “In Denmark, we visit Christmas markets in our small harbour town and Copenhagen, attend tree-lighting ceremonies, and take trips to Tivoli Gardens,” she says. Christmas Eve is a feast of traditional dishes, including roast duck, caramelised potatoes, pickled beetroot, and breads with salted butter.

Dessert is where the fun begins. “We have risalamande, a rice pudding with crushed almonds and cherry sauce. A whole almond is hidden in the pudding, and the person who finds it wins a prize — but they must keep it secret until everyone is done eating,” Elmayan laughs. Another game, pakkeleg, adds a playful twist. Players roll dice to win or steal small gifts from each other. “It’s a chaotic, fun tradition, perfect after a couple of drinks,” she adds.

Christmas Eve also features a traditional dance around the tree called Dans Om Juletraet, with carols followed by the opening of presents. The evening ends with old cartoons or chatting with family.

New Year’s Eve in Denmark is just as eventful. “We listen to the King’s speech before midnight and jump off chairs as the clock strikes 12, literally leaping into the new year,” she explains.

Houri’s Lebanese and Armenian heritage brings even more traditions to the table. Armenian Christmas, celebrated on January 6, is deeply spiritual. “We don’t exchange gifts on Christmas—it’s a day for family and faith. Instead, we celebrate New Year’s with presents, big dinners, and a visit from Santa,” she says. On New Year’s Eve, her family gathers for a festive meal, counting down to midnight with hugs, prayers, and dances.

A highlight for the children is Santa’s grand entrance. “We tell the kids that Santa’s elves called and that he’s on his way. Someone dresses up as Santa, and the kids perform songs or recite poems to earn their gifts,” Elmayan shares. “It’s such a joyous, memorable moment for everyone.”

Armenian traditions also include Epiphany, or Ghtas, on January 5 and 6. Families bake special sweets and keep doors open to welcome blessings. “It’s about starting the year with gratitude and hope,” Elmayan says.