Christians living in the Sultanate of Oman are celebrating Christmas at their homes and churches, greeting each other and wishing happiness as they welcome Santa Claus today.
Children, along with their parents, were busy arranging trees. They began to enact the role of Santa Claus, the legendary figure who is the traditional patron of Christmas, bringing gifts to children days before December 25.
Prior to Christmas, hotels and shopping malls in Oman have been in a festive mood to tap into the holiday season. Several flights carrying tourists from regional destinations and other continents have been arriving in Oman.
For hotels in Oman, Christmas decorations have been a tradition for many decades. They were all decorated in red and competed with each other to erect the biggest Christmas tree in town. Many conducted winter markets where visitors could stroll through for their favourite clothes, accessories, or cakes.
“We took part in the celebrations by distributing Christmas cakes to our patrons, customers and believers across the country,” Sonam Dorje, General Manager of Global Money Exchange, said.
Oman’s leading hotels have reported a surge in bookings and rooms of various grades, thanks to online booking domains, tour operators and outreach offices in other countries.
One inevitable part of the celebrations is carols, choir singing and music.
An interchurch Christmas Carol Singing Competition was recently held under the auspices of Father Saverios Thomas for the first time at the Marthasmouni Church auditorium.
Named 'Halel 2k24,' the competition saw the participation of more than 250 blessed choir singers from different choirs of various churches from across the country, formed into 9 groups, with an in-house choir adding cream to the cake.
Symphony Music Band, a group of music lovers led by popular musician Roy Georginteen, organised a carol service with the participation of about twenty singers. The musical feast put on by the symphony band received overwhelming praise from the audience, Francis Thalachira, coordinator of the band, said.
During the holidays, domestic tourism will be reflected in people visiting local destinations just a short drive away. They can immerse themselves in historic museums, bask in the sunlight of Jabal Shams, take a dip in the blue turquoise waters of Al Sharqiyah, and spend a holiday in the misty Dhofar.
"Domestic tourism will greatly benefit during the festive season, Christmas, and New Year as there is a sense of ‘revenge travel’ happening across the world,” said Ramsheed, from Capital Travel and Tourism.
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