Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Days of Christmas

1. Dance without abandon to Christmas songs, it's Christmas Day!

Without a doubt, blasting Christmas songs across shops, restaurants and bars is fully underway. So beware of fans of The Pogues or Mariah Carey or Michael Buble screeching All I Want For Christmas or Fairytale of New York down your lugholes. In this case, we recommend plugging your own iPhone or iPod's music in so you can shop or eat in blissful unawareness of everyone belting the songs around you. Alternatively - why not join in! We know that WAFI is completely festive right now, so soak up the Christmas tunes and unleash it all when you get home where nobody is watching. 

2. It's Boxing Day! Exchange gifts with loved ones... Or head to the sales!

The dreaded sentence of 'I don't know' is probably something you're hearing frequently right now. While Christmas Day has come and gone already, you may find that you still have gifts to give with certain members of your family, loved ones and friends. Even if you've left it a little late, never fear! We've got a list of top gifts for both the ladies and men in your lives. And who knows, you might even find a little something for yourself in the Boxing Day sales! Yep, you can't deny it because everyone knows; shopping means 'a gift for you, and two gifts for me.' 

3. Forget Christmas jumpers... Sport a Christmas suit!

Yep ladies, fashion for men has turned against us this time. Because it's moved away from the cute, cuddly and woolly jumpers we all might like to see our friends and family in. Now, the latest trend is Christmas suits! That's right, next time he goes shopping on his own beware; he might just come home dressed like a present or Christmas tree. To avoid this, you'll have to go shopping with him. Unless you're into this kind of thing? We have to admit, they are extremely entertaining and you wouldn't lose him in a crowd! 

The best thing is you can continue to wear this for the New Year period, too! So get your money's worth out of it! 

4. Gawp at the huge trees in the middle of hotel lobbys.  

In true UAE fashion, you'll find only the biggest and the best Christmas trees across the Emirates this year. Especially in Dubai, where you may come across very large, very expensive-looking, very decorated trees in the middle of malls or hotels. All the way from Ibn Battuta Gate, to the Dubai Mall. Make sure to clear your camera memory, because by the time Christmas is over, you'll probably have hundreds of photos of the different trees you can find. 

5. Set your A/C to arctic temperatures and cosy up with some Christmas films! 

Literally, turn your air conditioning down to what is considered freezing in the desert, like eighteen degrees celsius, grab your blankets and throws and snuggle up on your sofa or in bed while the TV serenades you with the best Christmas movies of all time. If you haven't dug them out already, now's the time! Because once the twelve days of Christmas are over, it's not really suitable to mimic every word of Elf in the middle of April. Of course, the films don't necessarily have to be Christmas related or have a festive story-line, you may want to dig out a movie that you always watch around winter time. For some it's Die Hard, for others it's Titanic.

6. Why not bake some festive goodies?

Before you have to start thinking about shifting all the holiday weight you've gained over the past few weeks, get your last treats in and make some homebaked goodies! There's everything from cookies, to cupcakes to a huge cake. Why not, it's the holidays! Just make sure it's all gone before you have to sign that gym membership come new year. 

7. Get your party face on and enjoy dancing the night away!

It's time to welcome the New Year in style! So get your party outfit on, surround yourself with your loved ones and make it one to remember wherever you are in the world. 

8. Book tickets to events! The festivities will eventually end, but the fun doesn't have to...

Like it says on the tin, ladies. Sadly, the Christmas and New Year celebrations will inevitably end for the year! But that doesn't mean that the fun has to stop. You don't have to stop moving to the funky, funky beat. Because there are plenty of events coming up where you are. Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong, Vietnam or the rest of the world... 

SEE ALSO: Get your tickets to see MAMMA MIA! live in Dubai

9. Find some pretty unique gifts for that awkward in-law at an auction.

Stuck for what to get your in-law or that family member you barely know? Head down to an auction! You might be surprised, because we can guarantee you will find a suitable present for this particular individual. 

10. You better book in that treatment to relax after all the fun. 

Now's the time to be thinking about yourself; after the pressure of losing weight before this season (because it's inevitable that you will pile it back on with scrumptious foods), the pressure is now on to continue to look fabulous after stuffing your face with roast potatoes and turkey! So get booking those all important eyebrow appointments, and a manicure and pedicure... But before you start, don't forget to search for a bargain! You'll be amazed at how many salons offer festive deals this time of year. 

11. Enjoy a festive lights tour around the neighbourhood

Before everyone starts taking their festive decorations down, why not grab the whole family and have a tour of your neighbourhood or city to make the most of the glittering lights and decorations. You could make a fun game out of it, or take it as an opportunity to spend some quality time reflecting on the Christmas passed and new year resolutions you each want to do. It's relaxing and we're sure you'll appreciate the beautiful decorations around the place to enjoy before they disappear for another year.  

12. Donate your time to charity or volunteer this New Year. 

Why not start your New Year right and do something to help another. Whether it's working as a volunteer in a hospice, care home or homeless shelter.. Or preparing food for the elderly! You could donate your unwanted items and create a gift for someone else to enjoy, or foster an animal that needs a home. 

• The ExpatWoman Festive Guide
• Gifts from the UAE
• Got a spare minute? Check out our Just for Fun guide