UAE residents cautious in their approach to festive spending

Dubai: It is the festive season again and Gulf News readers are putting their savings to good use. But while Christmas shopping lists are made, many are cutting down on costs.

Ineke D'Souza's Christmas celebrations this year are just as festive as the year before. The only thing that has decreased is the budget. With the global economic crisis still continuing, D'Souza, a Pakistani national residing in Dubai, said she has decided to have Christmas dinners at home, inviting family members and close relatives.

D'Souza takes her parents Christmas shopping every year and lets them choose what they want as a present. This year, she bought a dress for her mother and took her to the salon, while buying her father a suit. D'Souza and her sister have a tradition of finding out what the other wants and buying it for each other right before Christmas.

But lack of time and financial constraints prevent personalised shopping for others. For her friends and colleagues, D'Souza has decided to send Christmas cards and ornaments.

The eldest of seven, Albert Gayo, a Filipino national residing in Dubai, does not fall short on giving his family presents during Christmas, as they are his first priority.

He said: "My brothers like accessories such as belts, shoes and colognes, so I thought it would be great to buy each of them what they wanted."

Sharing happiness with parents means money is no object — Gayo is giving his parents a trip for two to Hong Kong.

The next on Gayo's list are his friends, who will receive accessories such as earrings, necklaces, hair accessories and belts.

Megha Tony, a 17-year-old Indian national residing in Dubai, loves shopping for Christmas cards and curios for her friends.

She said: "There are many stores that stock up on Christmas ornaments, lockets and miniature Bibles."

Tony's family also buys a Christmas tree and decorates it together.

As they receive many guests during the holiday, Tony said they tend to buy cakes from bakeries that produce them especially for Christmas. Her parents also take the children shopping for Christmas clothes.

Simple pleasures are the way to go, for Paul Gardiner, a university lecturer residing in Dubai.

He said jewellery would be the best present for his partner and letting his son get a driver's licence would make him very happy. "I am also planning to buy some humorous books to give to my friends."

However, Gardiner is planning save money this Christmas.

He said: "I am being more cautious about what I buy and taking the time to think about gifts before buying them, especially if they are expensive."