Mashable: It is the most beautiful time of the year.

If you’re thinking of Christmas, you’re probably imagining giant trees festooned in twinkling lights, carolers with frost-nipped noses singing ‘Silent Night’ and tributes from far and wide to Santa, and gingerbread. Lots of gingerbread. Christmas celebrations across the United Arab Emirates can vary widely from place to place, depending on the environment, local history, and present-day cultures of the people who live here. But if you’re looking for something simple, spending time with family is an important part of the celebrations.

Families and friends will share food, eating traditional delicacies such as turkey, mince pies, and Christmas puddings. It is a Christian holy day that falls every year on December 25, marking the birth of Jesus, who is majorly believed to be the Son of God.

But is Christmas a public holiday in the UAE?
Many ex-pats live in the UAE including the Christian community, which is why many employers choose to give their workers a day off on December 25. However, Christmas is not an official holiday in the UAE. Though the streets will be lit with Christmas lights, many offices will remain open.

And if your company happens to be one of the functional ones, don’t forget to put in a leave application prior because last-minute requests might be rejected during the holiday season.

Also worry not, if not Christmas, you’ll get the much-needed break on January 1, the New Year's holiday, which is recognized as an official public holiday.