UAE: Five Gulf News readers share photos of their Christmas trees décor at home and in the office

Smells good and refreshing! It's the aroma of fresh fir wafting as we enter the office. As a customary tradition, it’s that time of the year when people from around the world to decorate their Christmas trees in their homes. Some prefer fresh pine trees, while others go for artificial ones, which can be reused the following year. Real pine tree or not, it’s an excellent time for family members to get creative together and have some fun. We asked our readers how they had decorated their Christmas trees, and here is a pick of the best pictures we received.

British expat in the UAE, Angela Burns said: “We were thrilled to find a company that sells real fresh Canadian Christmas trees. The smell of pine is incredible and lasts forever. We then needed to find Christmas decorations so we went to the Swiss Christmas market and I was beyond excited to find camel decorations to coincide with where we live. We always spend Christmas at home here in Abu Dhabi as it’s more magical than any other country where we have lived. The UAE truly embraces every nationality and we are very fortunate and feel proud to be guest residents of the UAE.” Burns arrived in Abu Dhabi seven years ago to teach Foundation Stage at The British International School of Abu Dhabi.

Filipina expatriate, Kim Barrameda, founder and CEO of an events company, has been living in Dubai for 14 years. She is overjoyed decorating her Christmas tree at home in Jumeirah Lake Towers. Barrameda said: “Christmas is one of the most joyous and awaited festivals that my entire family is always looking forward to. This year’s theme for our Christmas Tree ornaments were more of red, gold, hanging bells and candy canes. Just like the giant candy cane, this year is the sweetest and most special Christmas for me and for my family. As an expatriate living in Dubai for over a decade, I am so delighted as it is our first time to celebrate Christmas together in a foreign land, which makes a second home to all of us too. Nothing is sweeter than having your entire family around the Christmas tree.”

Another long-time UAE resident from the Philippines, Melanie Robles shared a photo of her Christmas tree at home. She said: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year. This Christmas tree has been the focal point of our holiday decor and I enjoy setting it up along with my husband and two children. We have been using the same artificial tree for years now but what keeps changing is the amount of gifts under our tree, which seems to grow every year as our family and network of friends grow bigger every year.” Robles, who works as an order processor in a Sales Department of a manufacturing company in the UAE added that she had been happily living with her family in Dubai for 15 years now.

Alexis Borela, 27, Filipina expatriate who was born in Dubai, is happy to share a picture of her sister-in-law’s Christmas tree at her Business Bay home. She said: “This year’s theme is green, a bit on the Grinch side for a change, but with all the Christmas spirit. Christmas is the season of love, gift giving and time with family and loves ones. Living in Dubai on Christmas is wonderful! There are a lot of Christmas decorations and events everywhere. It’s very festive in Dubai!”