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For Kanessa Muluneh-Coerman, the holidays are a family-first affair

In the UAE, where the world meets and cultures converge, festive celebrations take on a unique flavor. For many expats, the holiday season is an opportunity to mix traditional rituals with modern twists, blending the old with the new in vibrant and meaningful ways. Whether celebrating at home or travelling abroad, it’s all about crafting moments that resonate. For Kanessa Muluneh-Coerman, the holidays are a family-first affair, uniquely shaped by their personal milestones. “As soon as we started a family, we decided to create our own way of celebrating,” she shares. With her son Memphis’s birthday on December 27 and her husband Remco’s on January 1, the typical rush to visit extended family didn’t align with their vision.

“We never enjoyed the old-fashioned way of visiting family here and there, especially since our families live far apart,” she explains. Instead, they focus on quality time. “Our lives are so busy, so the holidays are all about being with the kids and making memories that matter.” The family-centric approach allows them to slow down and savor the festive season, prioritising togetherness over tradition.

A multicultural celebration

Who says traditions can’t have a twist? The festive season is a playground for creativity, blending old customs with new adventures. From road trips and games to sacred rituals and cultural feasts, families also show how the holidays are all about strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories — no matter where in the world they are.

Muluneh-Coerman’s festive season is all about adventure and family time. “Every year, we travel to a snowy destination to spend time together in a new environment while showing the kids the world,” she says. Last year, her family flew to Sapporo, Japan, where they celebrated Christmas in true holiday spirit with a temporary tree, gifts, and a video call to all the grandparents. “We always call the grandmas and grandpas to wish them Merry Christmas,” she adds. The celebration doesn’t end there. The days following Christmas are equally special, as the family celebrates her son Memphis’ birthday. “We shop for handout gifts for his school friends, making sure his day feels just as magical,” Muluneh-Coerman explains. This year, the family is taking their holiday traditions on the road, starting in New York and embarking on a cross-country road trip to Aspen, Colorado. “We’ll celebrate Christmas in the car with a small tree and gifts, stopping at American diners for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Kanessa shares. A highlight of the trip will be a pit stop in Memphis, Tennessee, to celebrate their son’s birthday in the city he’s named after. “It’s going to be a road trip filled with memories, laughter, and plenty of surprises.”