Ahh, Christmas! Isn't this season just great? Busy, yes, but still great, right? Practically everybody loves this holiday. And to get into the festive feel, and since we didn't put up a tree this year (don't ask because I have no explanation), our family attended Christmas tree lighting ceremonies almost every night during the first week of December.
Here's a rundown of them:
Max's Restaurant at Dragon Mart 2
Invited by Tito Art Los Baños, my family and I attended Max's Restaurant's tree lighting last December 1. As the guest of honor that night, Tito Art gave a speech with a simple yet meaningful message: The spirit of Christmas is about loving and giving. We need to keep on loving and giving to our spouses, children, relatives, friends, and even colleagues. And we should always say "I love you," "Thank you," and "Take Care."
So true.
Right after Tito Art's speech and once the Christmas tree had been lit, members of the CFC-Jebel Ali Choir rendered popular Christmas carols, much to the delight of the restaurant's diners and mall visitors.
And shortly after, we were led to the private room/hall inside where we (along with the rest of Tito Art's guests) enjoyed several tasty dishes the famous Filipino dining chicken brand is known for.
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| image courtesy of Tita Elle Los Baños |
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| image courtesy of Tita Elle Los Baños |
Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
The 6th of December was Hubby's birthday, but before heading over to The Cheesecake Factory to celebrate, we passed by Millennium Airport Hotel first. There, the tall tree was lit, followed by beautiful carols sung by the choir. And to the kids' delight, Santa Claus arrived with gifts for them all.
Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana
The 7th of December was our second time to attend the tree lighting in the hotel's lobby, so you can bet Caila and Sophie were very excited that night. And just like last year's event, it showcased the true essence of the Festive Season. The choir sang several Christmas carols (which the crowd happily sang along with), Santa Claus gave gifts to the children, and we all feasted on the wide assortment of delectable food and drinks that was served.
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| image courtesy of Al Ghurair Rayhaan |
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| image courtesy of Al Ghurair Rayhaan |
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| my eldest enjoying a cup of warm Peppermint Chocolate |
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| image courtesy of Al Ghurair Rayhaan |
Grand Hyatt Dubai
To top off our tree lighting hopping ☺we went to Grand Hyatt Dubai on the 8th of December where a huge tree was standing in front of Panini. Santa Claus was already there when we arrived, sitting in front of his workshop handing out bags of sweets to the kids, which Caila and Sophie excitedly accepted. While waiting, we enjoyed drinks and bites of sandwiches and pizza as we listened to a singer and musician perform on stage.
As soon as the hotel's tree lit up, our girls practically begged us to take them to the other side where the "forest and bridges" were. For several minutes, they ran around and watched the fishes. And once they got tired, they sat down with the other kids at the Gingerbread Decorating Area to make their own masterpieces.
So...our family experienced the excitement of seeing a tree light up over and over again, heard Christmas carols being sung beautifully, and our girls met Santa Claus several times and received gifts (their favorite part, for sure).
And that's how we made it up to our kids for not putting up a Christmas tree this year. Pretty smart idea, eh? ☺
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Santa delivering gifts to kids in Dubai