Christmas in Saudi

We brought Candy Cane Peppermint Cookies from the candy canes Oma sent us.

 Christmas in Saudi is rather simple but full of spirit and fun.  We don't get bombarded with all the commercialism that surrounds Christmas in other parts of the world and have to be creative here.  Most of the families on the compound leave during the Christmas break but we always find time to have our annual Christmas party.  It's a simple gathering with each family bringing a finger food but Santa always seems to find us with presents for the kids.  Of course Vika figured it out that it wasn't the real Santa but we told her that Santa can't get a visa to Saudi so he has helpers who fill in for him here.  It's always a fun time for all to bring the Christmas Spirit into our lives here in Saudi Arabia.

Marichia, Nicole, and Annika

Jonny being shy?

Santa arrived with a bag of gifts.

Nicole getting her gift

Vika with a smile for Santa

Marichia and Nicole

Vika modeling her new scarf…Santa must have known we were going to a cold place for Christmas.

Vika and the third grade classes.

The school had a Winter Concert every year but has to keep it "Christmas Free".  This year they did a space theme.


Although we miss all the snow, Christmas decorations, Christmas music, and Christmas spirit in Utah, we love our simple Christmas here.  We can focus on the real meaning of Christmas and not get caught up in all the commercialism of it all.  Some of our best memories of Christmas have been the ones we have had overseas.