This is a sort of cliche, in the States, especially in New York and especially among non-Christians.

How to spend the Christmas Eve/Christmas period?

At the movies … and with a meal at a Chinese restaurant.

In this case, at the Shang Palace, here in Abu Dhabi

It was nice to join some co-workers (and others) on the terrace of the restaurant, which is one of several at the Shangri-La Hotel, one of the three big hotels that line the eastern shore of the Two Bridges area of Abu Dhabi — across a strip of shallow water from Abu Dhabi Island.

The night was warm, just steps from the beach, and then a pleasant zephyr came up, and with the sprawling, green-light-illuminated Sheikh Zayed Mosque across the way, it was a pleasant setting.

Some interesting topics came up. Baseball, which generally doesn’t get much exposure here. The works of several obscure (to me) musicians. The exploration of why Americans do not play rugby. (Seems obvious, but not so much if you’re from South Africa or Australia.)

The Chinese food was not a great success. We have stipulated previously that 99 percent of hotel meals in the UAE will give you: 1) unremarkable food; 2) high prices; and 3) service that is at best awkward/amateurish, at worst rude/hostile.

(Leah persists in trying out hotel restos here. Many have stunning views or locations and decoration. I have pretty much given up, preferring to take my resto meals in small places here — or on vacation.)

The novelty, for me, was the Chinese on Christmas thing.

After excusing ourselves, we went to Saint Andrew’s Church, back on the island, for the 11:30 p.m. candlelight service. I make a point of going to candlelight services, no matter where I am, and it was well-attended.

When we came out, it was Christmas Day.