I panicked momentarily as I assessed my workload and looked at the calendar. 10 days to Christmas. I had forgotten how close Christmas was. And my Christmas tree wasn’t even up yet. I rushed out and bought lights to replace the faulty ones from the previous year.

7 days to Christmas and my tree was finally up. I crossed the task off my list.

The base of the tree was bare, save for a couple of gifts from friends. Gifts. Panic. I had not bought gifts yet! I let out a curse.

Massive last-minute shopping. Traffic jams. Crowds. Bah humbug.

Cookies. Check.

And even now, 3 days before Christmas, there were things that I had not done yet. Calm down. Take a deep breath. Adrenaline pumping.

Stop. Enough, I said. It’s time to enjoy Christmas.

I let peace wash over me.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,
and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:
and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto
them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall
be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly
there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God, and saying,Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Have a blessed Christmas everyone, and cherish the true meaning of Christmas.

The good people of Abu Dhabi may view the pictures HERE.