CHRISTMAS DAY!!!
Christmas Day in Jamaica! You know, I have spent Christmas in North America, and in Europe, but I have to say that NOTHING in the world beats Christmas Day in Jamaica to me! You see, there are thwe customs that we practise out here that are so ingrained in me, that being back here at this time has made this very special to me.
On Christmas Morning, we are all up at 5:00AM! We go to church for 6:00AM for our Christmas Morning service. You see, as violent as Jamaica is portrayed in the news, we are still a nation that honours God. So, on Christmas Morning, people are up and in church! This year, as in previous years that I have been home in Jamaica over Christmas, I sang in our Emancipation National Park, where I sang ‘Gesu bambino’ and ‘O holy night’ as one of three soloists with the Nexus Choir. Then, after the sun has risen, and church is over, we go home to a big Christmas Morning Breakfast, which at my house (and many others), consists of the Jamaican national dish, ackee and saltfish. Please feel free to google this and see what it is. We also have ham, and roasted breadfruit, boiled yam, fresh fruits (oranges, bananas, etc.) and Blue Mountain coffee!
After such a meal, most people succomb to it and fall asleep! My mother and I get busy in the kitchen, getting dinner ready, which is eaten by around 3:00PM. for dinner this year, we had oxtail, curry goat, baked chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese (Caribbean style), stuffing (my way!), fried plantain, mango chutney, fresh veggies for salad, rice and peas, and all the other ‘trappings’ that go along with it!
Oh yes! I forgot to mention the gift exchange. That happens somewhere after breakfast, and before people start dropping asleep from the effects of the breakfast! Do nto worry. It is just that feeling of being full and happy! You know, even if I had not gotten any gifts, just being with my family during this time would have been enough for me! I enjoyed cooking, and serving, and feeding everyone, and just being in the middle of all the bustle and attention!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and may every blessing be yours for the New Year, when it comes!
Moi
