In recent days I’ve been on a whirlwind of festive fun. I very much doubt any place on earth puts on a brighter or better celebration of togetherness and happiness than the Kingdom of Bahrain.
It started with the Manama Singers carol singing at the Dilmun Club and then the five star properties joined the party in what appears to be quite a competitive round of dazzling displays.
It’s fabulous to watch as staff members from each hotel pull out all the stops with carol singing, dancing and musicianship, watched and supported by senior management, and fully appreciated by enthusiastic crowds of onlookers.
I love ‘people watching’ and it’s an absolute joy to study the faces of families, of all races and religions, gathering together in a spirit of harmony so unique to this kingdom.
And why not? Who doesn’t love a fat man, with a white beard, pot belly and a cheerful ho, ho, ho?
I recall the first time I stepped on to Bahraini soil, exactly 13 years ago at this time of year, for that all important recce before starting the job proper in the New Year.
Like most Europeans, I had little true understanding of the Arab world apart from the research I had done for the first interview and the decades of misconceived stereotypical prejudices I had soaked up by being brought up in the West.
I was nervous and it didn’t help matters that Heathrow Airport was soulless, horrible and nasty (it’s a lot better now that Terminal 5 has opened). The people working there, from the coffee shop assistants to the security personnel, were miserable and unwelcoming.
As I joined a queue of passengers herded towards the luggage check-in I spotted only one skinny, pathetic-looking excuse for a Christmas tree on display, hidden round one of the corners. There was nothing to mark the season of goodwill on the roads leading up to the airport or at its entrance.
The bright lights of Bahrain were breathtaking in comparison. OK, they might have been put up to mark National Day, but who cares. I remember thinking, ‘wow, what a place!’
I stayed at the Gulf Hotel and also visited the Ritz-Carlton and could not believe my eyes. I still can’t when I attend the annual lights switching on ceremonies at these properties and all the others I have recently been invited to.
When I set off from Bahrain International Airport (and I hope it keeps its friendly intimacy when the big expanded facility opens next year) there was also a stunning display in Departures, with a Father Christmas on a train and delightful displays of festive fun.
I couldn’t wait to come back.
And, although I’ll soon be making a flying visit home to embrace family and friends in the UK, I know a piece of my heart will remain here in Bahrain, even for the few days I’m away … and it will forever more.
Santa Claus is the epitome of a good person. Even if everything about him is unrealistic, there's something about Santa that we would like to see in every person. His kindness and generosity knows no bounds, and let's not forget that he lives in the happiest place there is … Bahrain.
I know, I’ve personally seen him on at least a dozen occasions in recent days.
May Christmas warm your heart the whole year long and to quote award-winning author Louis Sachar: ‘Whenever you give someone a present or sing a holiday song, you're helping Santa Claus. To me, that's what Christmas is all about. Helping Santa Claus!’
