(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) For six-year-old Elaine Rose this is an unforgettable Christmas as her grandparents have joined the celebrations in Abu Dhabi from the south Indian state of Kerala. And three generations of a family are turning up the heat in chilly Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi-based Biju Sebastian and Anju Annie had a long-standing wish to let their girls Aneetta, Tiara and Elaine understand and celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of togetherness. And finally they succeed this time. "So far, Christmas was all about presents, decorations and going to church. This time, I managed to make it special by bringing together girls' grandparents, uncles, aunties and kids. It was a difficult task to get these 10 people here as everyone is busy. However, this is the best time so far in our lives," Sebastian, a sales manager at a private company in Abu Dhabi, said.
Anju noted that cheerfulness, feeling of love and togetherness has grown many bounds this Christmas with 10 family members from Kerala, five from Al Ain joining the five of them in Abu Dhabi.
"We are 20 with my parents, sister, brother and their children. Never before is our house and heart so filled with love and happiness. We are experiencing the joy and togetherness of Christmas to its fullest," Anju said.
Grandparents Cyriac Thomas, 76 and Theresa Cyriac, 72, are unable to express their feelings as it was their long wish to have such a get-together.
"I am living and loving every minute with our grandchildren. Even back in Kerala all are busy with their lives. Luckily we are here together and this embodies the true festive spirit," Cyriac said.
"This is the season of giving and each family member has given few days of their lives for us oldies. I can't ask for anything more from my children," Theresa said.
The rest of the group from Kerala is Roby Chandy and Nisha with kids Richa and Rohan, and Ranjith and Beena with kids Tessa and Anna. From Al Ain Bijumon Joseph and Mercy with children Shone, Sharon, Shane completes the 20-member team.
And they aren't wasting a single minute ever since landing on December 23. The family has rented a bus and is touring all emirates until return on January 1.
They have visited Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, Dubai Global Village, Miracle Garden and Burj Khalifa, and got a long list of places to cover in next few days.
On Christmas Eve, the group went on Abu Dhabi desert safari.
"I had my first bite of authentic Arabic food," Theresa said gleefully.
The UAE has once again become a platform for multiculturalism and helped people like Sebastian and oldies like Cyriac and Theresa celebrate Christmas in true spirits.
Ashwani Kumar
MENAFN2512201700490000ID1096273068
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