Our family's favorite Christmas book is called "The Last Straw".  It is a story about a grumpy old camel who gets called by and angel to carry gifts to the Christ-child.  Because he is old and tired the camel isn't happy about this calling.  Eventually, when he finally arrives at the manger he collapses to his knees under the weight of all the gifts that have been piled upon him throughout his journey.  Of course at that point he recognizes the importance of his journey as he sees the wise men follow his example and fall to their knees as well.

This little camel and the (several) others I have collected like it, looks just like the illustrations of the camel Hoshmakaka.  They decorate our home all year round but find new, more prominent, locations during the Christmas season.  Besides, I'm always a sucker for a cute camel!!

The lanterns were purchased in Egypt.  With little candles burning inside each one the colored glass and cut work look amazing.

We don't have a "Christmas Tree" here.  I refuse to pay an outrageous amount of dhs... for an evergreen that has been shipped into the desert.  A few fresh pine bows and berries placed around the house is my attempt to create the fragrance of the fresh tree I associate with Christmas time.

The nativity is made of ebony.  It was purchased at the Global Village in Dubai.