How The SLME Team Is Spending The Holidays

I’m spending the holidays between New York and Houston with my in-laws before heading back to Dubai for New Year’s, and I’m really looking forward to their big Christmas celebrations and meeting new family members. New York feels electric at this time of year, and I can’t wait to wrap up in my new Alaïa coat (a sample sale find, so ‘girl maths’ applies), visit the MoMA and wander around Soho for some shopping. I’ve been hearing great things about Abbode for personalised gifting, and I’ll never say no to a visit to Aritzia or some vintage shopping. In the new year, we’ll head to Megève for our annual ski trip with my siblings and their spouses. I recently discovered the Perfect Moment x Alpine ski collection at F1 and instantly fell in love, so I’m already planning my slopeside looks. Being in the States this year means we’re hosting a big Christmas gathering, followed by a Christmas Day lunch, while New Year’s Eve will be a cosy night in with family. When it comes to festive dressing, I’m loving Jessica K’s playful fur-trimmed jackets, and I’m fully in my winter boots era, especially Neous’ under-the-knee styles. More than anything, though, it’s the time with family that helps me properly reset and recharge, and I’m really looking forward to the slower pace.

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I love the winter season in Dubai – the weather, the energy, and all my friends coming back make it my favourite time of year. I’m staying local this month but will still hop between emirates like I usually do, especially with my sister visiting from the States, splitting our time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I’m hoping to finally visit the new Zayed National Museum, and I’m excited to try a few new openings like Tatu at Ciel and Cocina Tres, a fun Mexican spot. For New Year’s, I’ll most likely keep it low-key at home with friends. My festive outfit is already sorted: a burgundy sequin dress from Tala Sammak. Its rich colour and sparkly finish feels perfect for the season. To reset before the year ends, you’ll probably find me at the beach, catching up with friends and soaking up as much calm as possible. 

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Christmas is my favourite time of year, and as a newlywed, I can’t wait to celebrate the festivities in my husband's and my new home in Dubai. I usually celebrate with home-cooked traditional meals (turkey, but Armenian-style with pumpkin rice and raisins) at my mother’s and with gift opening (I plan to buy only from regional brands this season – from Beit Prod’s sunglasses to Yara Haydar’s chair necklaces). I am eager to try the highly talked-about Carbone in Atlantis Royal; the pastas look incredible. As for New Year’s Eve, I will probably go to a friend’s house party and watch the fireworks from their balcony overlooking Jumeirah beach and the palm skyline, ringing it most probably in a Vanina cocktail dress, Lié Studio jewellery and Sarah’s Bag pin clutch. For my 2026 reset, I’m making Reform Athletica a habit and meditating daily. 

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My birthday on 10th January always makes the holiday season feel like my personal new year, and I love marking it with a trip somewhere around Saudi. This year, I’m hoping to visit Luxor and Aswan and see the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, though local escapes like Shebara, Desert Rock and Edition Rasea are tempting too. With Jeddah’s perfect weather, we spend as much time by the water as possible – taking boat trips to Bayada and enjoying beach BBQs. I’m also excited to try new foodie spots like Yashi, The Terrace SA and Ueno Tegaki.

I’ve got my outfits planned out, including a gorgeous Alemais dress, a Nadine Ghosn paperclip necklace and the show-stopping LOEWE leather jacket. For New Year’s, I usually do an Umrah trip to reset my intentions, but beach days and spontaneous road trips are what truly recharge me.

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With so many of my friends flying into Dubai for the season and my mother’s birthday in December, the holidays always turn into one big celebration with family and loved ones. Since I travel constantly for work, I’m excited to stay local this year and enjoy the beautiful winter weather at a slower pace. I’m hoping to try Middle Child restaurant in Alserkal over the break and would love to revisit Moonrise for its incredible, festive ambience. 

For New Year’s, I’m keeping things relaxed with a quiet barbecue at home, far from the traffic and chaos. For my outfits, I’m leaning into reds, bows, sequins, and all things feminine and cute – I’ll be wearing an H&M dress with Valentino bow ballerinas, along with pieces from my favourite Middle Eastern designers like Marmar Halim, Dalya, and NORA.  After a hectic start to the month, I’m planning to spend the last two weeks unwinding outdoors with family and close friends. 

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I’m staying in Kuwait this year to focus on planning for 2026 and start the year feeling organised and grounded. One of my favourite family traditions is our outdoor lunches – the weather is perfect, and it’s the best way to spend time together. I’m also keen to try Nori, a new Japanese restaurant that’s just opened. For New Year’s Eve, I’ll probably keep it cosy with friends at a relaxed get-together.

Outfit-wise, I’m leaning towards my Paco Rabanne disco skirt paired with a fun top, jewellery from Ascher and Aubade, and maybe even something from Nafsika Skourti’s latest collection, which I’m obsessed with. To reset for 2026, I’m prioritising sleep, journaling, and grounding practices like walking on sand or grass. The last few days of December are always for finishing my moodboard and vision board, and spending time with friends to set a fresh, positive tone for the year ahead.

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