The Voice of Oman
In this time of festivity, don’t forget the true meaning of Christmas, says Rosie Malcolm
correspondence HAPPY HOLIDAYS Dear Editor, Jingle bells are resounding throughout Muscat and its stores are decked-out with decorative items, Christmas trees and festive treats. In restaurant and cafés, Santa Claus can be found entertaining children. You can even buy Santa clothing in supermarkets. Couples are busy purchasing household items to give their home a new look for the New Year. Kids wait hopefully for their favourite toys and gadgets from Santa. In all, a feeling of festivity is in
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his will be our fourth Christmas in Muscat and it feels very different this year. Two years ago, Christmas trees didn’t exist in the shops and the only baubles were a few dusty ones on the shelf. The occasional hotel would do a half-hearted festive meal. We didn’t get carried away with all the presents and commercialism that we experience in Europe. Christmas for us was about being with family. So this year when November arrived, it was a surprise to see Christmas exploding in Muscat with seasonal images, lights, trees and decorations and music too. Although I hope that the true message of Christmas isn’t lost in all this sparkle, there is a good side: it can bring us together. Last week, as I left Carrefour, a lovely young girl wished me “a very Merry Christmas” in her broken English Arabic accent. I answered quite naturally “Afwan”. Our worlds met and in that moment we both laughed at the same time. I continued smiling for the rest of the day feeling so privileged to be part of this culture. Thank you Oman for recognising and accepting us for our difference. By showing us ‘your sparkle’ this year I truly feel accepted by you.
Next week: YUMMY MUMMY 08
DEC 19 - 25 / ISSUE 299
the air. Signalled by the blooming of marigold flowers everywhere, the season has changed and the arrival of winter gives us respite from the scorching heat of summer. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers of Y magazine and the people of Muscat a very Merry Christmas. God bless us all. Yours sincerely, Dr Ritu Bali, Al Khuwair
Debate of the Week We asked:
‘Since the death of Nelson Mandela, the world has lost a hero and peacemaker. Who has inspired you in history and why?’ Raj Shenoy Mother Teresa has been a great inspiration to me and surely many others because of her selfless efforts to help the poorest of the poor. Farhana Akter Abraham Lincoln, for freeing slaves and abolishing slavery in America. He led his life with the utmost honesty and integrity, choosing to stand up for truth and using his expertise as a lawyer to serve the poor and stand up for injustice. MA Hashem Randy Pausch. He may not be a historical figure exactly, but we can all learn invaluable lessons from his very short life. At age 43, given just a few months to live by doctors after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Randy embarked on a journey to do the things
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he had always dreamed of, like authoring a book, experiencing free-fall skydiving and playing a few minutes in the NFL. Along the way, he motivated and inspired millions of people with his talks. He showed that the knowledge of one’s death shouldn’t be a limiting factor and come in the way of one’s dreams. We are all going to die someday, but we should always keep fighting and chase our dreams and desires. He defied the odds to live for three years and died in 2008 aged 47. Muntashir Razzak Martin Luther King Jr. He fought for the rights of black people in America and put them on the road to equality.
This Week’s Debate: What was the best thing you did in 2013, either for yourself or someone else? Tell us on Facebook and Twitter
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SEND US YOUR letters, photos, news and views to info@y-oman.com / @ytabloid / /ytabloid. Impress us and the winning correspondent will receive a Grand Hyatt voucher. Guests may redeem gift vouchers from the hotel’s reception. For the rest of the terms and conditions see voucher. Contact person katrina.pulusan@hyatt.com.