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Christmas is here as jingles fill Abu Dhabi air

Abu Dhabi - It's Christmas time - a festival for friends and families to get together and bond.

Christmas lights are switched on, trees have been raised and jingles fill the air as the festive spirit continues in the Capital.
It's Christmas time - a festival for friends and families to get together and bond.
St Gerorge Orthodox Cathedral started off the celebrations with Christmas carol from Friday night.
The caroling group has got 40-50 members, who have been rehearsing the songs for few weeks now. They cover three to four homes in one day and sing three to four songs at each place.
The faithful at the cathedral comprises mainly Indian expatriates from state of Kerala and all songs are in Malayalam. The song that has been most rehearsed is from the movie Poomaram. The song: Poomaram kondu kappalundaakki is a rage in Kerala and a hit with the caroling group too.
The trump card of the group, however, is Santa Claus, who enters ringing bells and distributes sweets among children.
And it was ball of time when the group landed started the celebrations on Friday night. The band's tunes saw neighbours, including Emiratis join the fun.
"I am happy to see them all celebrate like this," a national said.
Vicar of the Cathedral Father MC Mathai Maracheril, who led the proceedings, said carols are an important aspect of the celebrations.
"Carols remind us why we celebrate this festival. Through these carols, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a time to remember his deeds and spread the message of love among others. The youth wing of the cathedral is doing this for past so many years."
Maracheril said the festival is a time to spread happiness and also for all families to bond together.
He said carols will be held in the homes of three or four faithful from now on.
Youth Wing members are the real force driving this caroling group.
Binu Varghese said it is important to keep traditions intact.
"We have to pass on the message to the next generation. When they see us actively involved then they too will do the same in future."
Biju TC, another member, said: "It's a gladdening sight to see all ward members take part with equal enthusiasm."
Lincy M Raju said the celebrations here made her nostalgic. "We celebrate with friends and families with music and dance that mirrors the manner we used to do it back home in Kerala."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com