Xmas in Dubai is exactly the opposite of what I have experienced as a child. But I love it as much. Here I feel the atmosphere is calm, relax. Many people have left the country to visit their family, and it is like for 1 week, the buz of the city calms down. You see your closest friends, gather the kids, go to the beach. Simple things!
How will you celebrate Xmas this year?
This year my parents are coming over from France. We will prepare our usual Chestnut Turkey and play Christmas songs. On the 24th evening, with the kids we will stair at the window, hoping to see the reindeers up in the sky! Kids will wake us up as early as possible on the 25th to open their presents and if we can get them out of the house (which may be difficult as they will be so busy playing with their new toys), we will most probably have a picnic at the beach with friends.

Any traditions you have started while living in Dubai?
Our Christmas in Dubai always finished at the beach! It's becoming our tradition on the 25th...
It’s never too early for Christmas! Prepare the holidays as a family while coloring our giant coloring Christmas tree from the brand OMY…. With connect the dots, color by numbers and glow-in-the-dark stickers, see if you can finish by Christmas Eve! A perfect holiday decoration to hang on the wall. SRSP – 90 aed

Ride on metal car from Vilac The cool race cars, will make your children real racing drivers! Self-assembly, this is the perfect Christmas gift for kids from 18 month.
SRSP – 685 aed

Beige Indian Tipi from Vilac
Your kids will love playing with our Indian Tipi from the famous qualitative French brand. With its wood that does not break but simply wears down with time, it’s the perfect gift for all the family.
SRSP – 640 aed

The one and only letter banner from A Little Lovely Company
This banner is great for birthdays, announcements, and declarations of love or just to add a personal touch to your home, office or kids room. The letters are reusable so you can change your message as often as you like! This package contains: 138 cardboard letters, numbers and symbols and metal clips. Banners are available in 3 colors: Black, Pastel and White.
SRSP – 85 aed

Festive looks from Kidette Boutique
I had so much fun working with those lovely ladies and their adorable kids during our Winter Holidays photoshoot. For the children, I wanted to incorporate the world of Kidette Boutique, a beautiful multi-brand concept boutique for children. Kidette offers a large selection of brands from all over the world. I love the well curated clothing selection, things you won't find anywhere else in Dubai. The price range is also well set up, you are guarantee to find something special but affordable for your little ones. I picked festive looks in a non conventional way, lots of frilly tutus from Dolly, American Outfitters glitter sweatshirts, pretty dress with beaded details from Dorian HO while keeping comfort and practicality in mind. The world of Kidette is located in The Mall Jumeirah. The beautiful clothes, well design lush boutique and lovely customer service will impress you.

Festive fun for your Home Decor
When it comes to styling your house specially during the winter seasons, everyone want to get into the Holidays spirits and add some fabulous festive cheers to the house. If you are looking for creative fun glam (with budget in mind) for your home this Christmas, get inspired by Emilie from Stella and the Stars . Here's some tips and tricks from the very talented stylist and blogger. We love her energy and bold statement taste, because life is fun and should be fabulous.

Emilie, what do you love about Xmas as an expat? 
I am a newbie so I have no idea what to expect but as with anything new, I am actually massively excited. It's a new adventure, a new experience, we're going to embrace it all!

How will you celebrate Xmas this year? 
We are spending it with friends this year which we've never done before so really looking forward to a different vibe this year. We have booked a full Christmas day lunch in a fabulous hotel and have been invited to spend Boxing Day at friends with the kids.

Any traditions you have?
We celebrate it British style which is hard for me as in France most of the fun all happens on Christmas eve! Big dinner, presents etc we all do it on the 24th back home. I have learned to adapt and be patient until Christmas day which is not easy! ;-) my daughter Stella only just started to understand the concept last year, so we played the game by leaving cookies and milk for father christmas and carrots for Rudolph the night before. She was mesmerized it had all disappeared when she woke up. This year, she wrote her first letter to Father Christmas and we've also facetimed him so he could ask her what she wanted (yes there is an app that allows you to do that! bonkers)

How do you feel about your first Xmas in Dubai? 

Do you know what I am really really looking forward to? Spending Christmas day in summer clothes - pretty sandals and with no jumper! This will be my first Christmas holiday in Dubai (after 12 years in London) and there is something about being festive on the beach on Christmas day, right? I just can't wait. Am sure in a few years I'll miss being all snuggled by the chimney while it's cold and snowy outside for as a newbie expat, for now, I am really looking forward to spending it here, in the heat.

How will you decorate?
I know it sounds mad but I always, always leave it till the last minute! I plan for ages, research colour schemes for weeks, and end up decorating the tree the week before Christmas. I usually steer clear of anything traditional or red and green, because, life's too short to be boring and doing it like everybody else, and I usually go for a colourful scheme: pops of neon, gold, glitter, the more over the top the better. I am known for having sparkly unicorn christmas decs and back in London we had a pink Christmas tree... I'll let you imagine the vibe...

Please share 3 or 4 easy tips and ticks to decorate the house.

Having a toddler in the house has had an impact on how much I decorate and how I decorate the house at Christmas because things can potentially get ugly before the festivities even start (I can't think of anything more annoying than clearing broken baubles from the floor). I usually don't decorate the bottom of the tree to avoid any little hands stealing any of the decorations. And I try to use the ceiling to hang nice decorations like pompoms, and garlands - again nothing the littel people can reach and potentially destroy. Light is crucial and you really can't have too many fairy lights so I'd say stock on those for the perfect ambiance.And a wreath on the door is a must in my opinion. It just sets the tone the minute to get home. And don't forget about frangrances. Scented candles are a good way to make your home feel christmassy. Most candle brands will have a festive scent collection.

How to bring Xmas into the house on a budget? 

There is no need to spend a fortune to decorate your home for Christmas. There are plenty of fabulous options in the party decorations sections of department stores for example, like paper hanging decorations. If you don't want to spend a fortune on baubles, think of alternative ways to decorate your tree like little bows made of ribbon for example. If you can't justify spending several hundreds of dirhams on a tree, a good option is to by a wooden stand that you can use as a tree.

In the process, I had a opportunity to work with a lovely photographer, Racha Hallak. She has the patience and the kind spirit to work with children and a great eye for family photography. Thank you ladies! Getting together, working on a common vision together was the best part of this little adventure. Happy Holidays!



Photography credits: Racha /  www.rachahallak.photography