Where can I buy a Christmas tree?
For a fake conifer, Carrefour (4413 9666) and Lulu Hypermarket (4466 7780) generally have you covered – but the selection varies based on the branch, so if the shop you’re standing in fails you, try one of the others. Other greenery can be found at Home Centre in City Centre (4483 9990), or Homes R Us in Hyatt Plaza (4469 4848). Or ask around: with the constant migrations of expats, there is abandoned Christmas magic to spare. But why stick with the fake? While you can’t get a live evergreen in Qatar, you can go the eco-friendly route and get a potted plant. And it’s not all Charley-Brown style either – get creative, keep a plant alive, and add a touch of green to your home all at the same time. Who says a Christmas tree can’t be a potted palm? Try Gardenia on Salwa Rd (4444 0789) or Al Saad (4434 2150).

What about decorations?
Many of the big chain stores are starting to carry decorations, but branch out! Hallmark (4486 2889) has surprisingly adorable decorations, as well as Crazy Party in Villaggio Mall (4450 7777), Events in Royal Plaza (4413 1155) and Party Kingdom in Gulf Commercial Centre (4435 3501). But why stick with baubles and fake snow? Head down to Souk Waqif for cultural bits and pieces – one staffer created a gorgeous tree with hanging glass blue evil eye ornaments, for example. Also, don’t miss Souk Al Deira, located across the road from Souk Waqif – known as ‘the fabric souk’, it’s full of ribbons, bows and all things glittery in the many shops and stalls, as well as hosting anything-stores that are great catch-alls for holiday bric-a-brac. Wrap your tree in a variety of ribbon and Santa (and the decor fairies) will be appeased.

What is Christmas without cookies?
Christmas isn’t complete without a little something sweet, but you need the right supplies to keep your gingerbread house from getting condemned. Check out Lakeland at City Centre Mall (4483 9990) for a vast selection of kits and supplies to make all your visions of sugarplums a reality. Candy moulds? Check. Spritz cookie makers? Double check. Things we never even considered as a possibility? Triple check.We’re in love with the fancy fluted tins for our minced pies. Want Christmas with an edge? Head into Virgin Megastore (4413 5823): we’ve found a set of cookie cutters featuring one-legged, one armed, and chomped on Gingerbread Men. Cute enough that we almost forgive them for taking up shelf space from the books, almost.

My gifts are looking naked: where can I get wrapping paper?
You can buy paper at Hallmark (4486 2889) year round, but they start to offer holiday-themed wrapping this time of year. You can also pick up coloured cellophane at Carrefour, which is great for wrapping food. But why not skip the bad-for-the-environment wasteful wrapping paper this year? Go for reusable gift bags, available at most party stores like Crazy Party in Villaggio Mall (4450 7777), Events in Royal Plaza (4413 1155) and Party Kingdom in Gulf Commercial Centre (4435 3501). Or make your own! Get some plain paper and get the kids to help you decorate it with markers, stickers or anything their sticky minds can dream up (or just do it yourself!). Cut a raw potato in half, carve a design into the flat end, and use it as a stamp to create unique patterns and designs. For gifts to go abroad, why not grab some Arabic newspapers and reuse it for a cultural twist on the wrapping-in-the-funny-pages theme? Or, rip out colourful pages from magazines (not this one, we beg you) and use that for small parcels and packages.

Curses! We need to book a party!
The festive season comes with many great things but the pounding stress headache that is inevitable if you’ve been put in charge of making the party plans is not one of them. Pick your favourite restaurant and give them a call: Doha’s hotels are known for service, and whether making you a specially decorated table, coming up with a set menu at a group rate, or even setting you up in a private room, solutions abound. But why stay on land? Nothing says Christmas in the Gulf like a dhow trip! Hit the high seas and celebrate in style: dhows can be booked from the Dhow Wharf, just off the Corniche (enter by the pearl statue). Prices vary by size and service, from no-frills budget trips to dhows that provide a barbecue and banana boats. Just remember, while rules might be relaxed on the water, dress appropriately to board the boat and remember to gift wrap or leave behind items that may cause offense. Afterwards, why not head over to the Ramada Plaza Doha (4428 1428) as Bubbles on Two and Orion offer special holiday cocktail menus for 15-50 people, and the Qube offers up Members Party Packages with food and beverage options for groups of more than 40.

There’s too much Christmas. What else can I celebrate?

Shi’a and Sunni Muslims also mark Ashura on December 5. And don’t forget National Day on Dec 18.

Where can I get a turkey?

Carrefour (4413 9666), Lulu Hypermarket (4466 7780) and Megamart (4444 0018) start carrying local frozen turkeys, ducks and chickens, as well as Butterball turkeys around Canadian Thanksgiving, with more supplies arriving in time for Christmas. Don’t need a whole bird? We’ve also spied compressed turkey breasts: they look like a ball of turkey and offer a no-bones alternative, available at Megamart. Alternatively, most hotels offer takeaway turkey packages.

What about other special ingredients?

Lulu Hypermarket (4466 7780) has a selection baking supplies, particularly at the Gharrafa location. Spinneys in The Mall (4467 8888) also has a good selection of western treats, although their offerings are fickle – check early and often. If gourmet is more your speed, try Dean and Deluca in Villaggio (4451 9780). They offer all sorts of import fanciness, at a price to match. A safe bet is Megamart (4444 0018), where you can usually get such hard-to-find items as pumpkin pie filling, spices, and sometimes even eggnog. Can’t find something you need? Check out www.yummly.com for a massive selection of recipes; the site culls from all over the net to find you recipes, and you can limit the ingredients available as well as things like special dietary needs and calories. Compare and contrast and you might be able to find a home-made version to replace your favorite treat!

How can I celebrate on a budget?
Deck the halls without angering the credit card gnomes. Got a large group of friends and a small budget? Try a Secret Santa: everyone gets a gift, and with a price limit, the results can be hilarious and creative. Or go homemade: bake your favorite goodies and wrap with pretty ribbon, et voila, gift perfection. Want something that lasts? Get a jar and fill it with the dry ingredients of your favourite holiday recipe: include a recipe card, tie with a bow, and you are a Martha Stewart goddess. As for Christmas activities on the cheap, can anyone say sand angels?