According to my astrocartography — relocation astrology — I tend to thrive in places that feel bright, expansive, culturally alive, and a little adventurous. Somewhat unexpectedly, the UAE sits at the very top of that shortlist. And, as it turns out, the stars were right. Here, I’ve found peace of mind. Beauty without effort. A feeling of being embraced rather than tested.

In Dubai, life seems to meet me halfway, and something in me finally exhales rather than holds its breath. As I prepare to spend my first Christmas in the City of Gold, it feels quietly right — a welcome surprise for someone who has long associated this time of year with New York City.

New York, for me, has always been December sharpened to a point: cold air, bright lights, constant motion. A city that demands presence and gives something electrifying in return. I love it deeply. It has shaped me and challenged me. New York is magic — emotional, exhilarating — reflecting the version of myself that thrives on intensity.

Dubai, by contrast, offers a different kind of clarity. Less spectacle, more stillness. Fewer edges, more warmth — not only in a literal sense. This Christmas feels less about momentum and more about meaning — a quiet reflection on what has been, and what is yet to come.

Perhaps this season isn’t about replacing one city with another, but about discovering that there are different ways to belong. And that sometimes, the most meaningful gift at the end of the year is simply being exactly where you are meant to be.