Muscat – With the Christmas festivities gripping the city, Muscat got decked up in red all around. The malls are decorated with stars and Xmas trees, while Santas in red can be seen coming out often – dancing to the tunes of Christmas songs and carols and handing out chocolates and gifts to children at parks and malls. Winter markets are flooded with freshly baked cakes and cookies, while the revellers are out to set the mood of the festive season.

The atmosphere near the Ruwi church was buzzing with vendors selling cakes and eateries, while believers were queuing up for the morning Mass.

Similar atmosphere could be seen around the church in Ghala. Queues of cars and people on foot could be seen crowding both the places right from Saturday evening.

Many took a day off on Sunday to socialise and celebrate the day. Nancy K P, a believer from Kerala, said, “My landlady has been kind enough to grant me two days of leave. I came from Al Khuwair and stayed with my brother and sister-in-law in Ruwi. We made some snacks and plum cakes, and distributed them in the church.

“We were at the church until late last night. Today we celebrated with our friends. Even my sister-in-law (who works in a hospital) took cakes for her friends,” she added.

Like Nancy, David and his wife Jasmine (only first names provided) were at the Mall of Oman to catch a glimpse of Snow Oman. Their teenage son came from Ireland for Christmas and they were busy taking him around.

“Generally, we are not used to warm winters, but my son is very happy to avoid the harsh cold in Europe and come to Oman,” said Jasmine. “We had some hot Belgium chocolate and visited Snow Oman. For sometime we were in the winter mode there.”

The hotels around the city were decked up in Christmas lights; and red and white colours. Carols were playing in many hotels with live bands taking the centre-stage.

Al Falaj Hotel had a special attraction with a 60 feet tall Xmas tree made with recycled cans and bottles from the hotel.

“We conceptualised the idea in August and we started making it in September,” said Praveen George, the general manager of the hotel. “Keeping in mind the ‘sustainable’ theme of the Aitken Spence Hotels, the idea was conceived after an internal meeting. We have had almost all the staff in the hotel coming in their spare time and contributing to the decor of the tree.”

“The making of this tree took almost four months to complete,” he added.