Written by: Nicola Cunningham
For some it has been a ho-ho-horrible year! Almost nine months of curfews, quarantine and the cold reality of social distancing. The parties have been paused for the cause, greeting friends has gone from hugs and handshakes to elbow bumps, not to mention everyone walking around looking like a bank robber totally unrecognisable because of their masks.
To say that ‘rona’ has been a ‘Debbie Downer’ wreaking havoc on so many areas of life would be a serious understatement. Indeed the global pandemic has caused massive unemployment, restricted movement and travel; put a damper on weddings and especially funerals and made our existence that much more precarious going forward.
Being Jamaican, we are nothing if not resourceful, and not even a virus can stop us indefinitely. People are still feeling the vibe any way they can and Christmas will be no exception. It may not be the same but we can at least be creative and put back some of the ‘silly’ in the silly season.
Because of the curfew, the all-night partying has pretty much grinded to a halt but that does not mean that we cannot have fun in smaller more intimate numbers. Instead of opening up invitations to all and sundry, make your gathering more family and closest friend oriented and party like a rock star within the legal boundaries. If the liquor is flowing, let it flow early so that you can have a day rave from midday until the sun goes down and not have to worry about being shut down. Similarly, you can plan a beach trip and get there at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rise and once again realise just how beautiful this little piece of rock truly is.
What is fun and frolic without food? Rain or shine, covid or not, we as Jamaicans “love wi belly” especially at Christmas time. Ham, sorrel, eggnog, gungo rice and peas, chicken and something curried must be on the menu. If food is being provided, be a good guest and be responsible for the dessert. Bring a Christmas cake and a tub of vanilla or rum and raisin ice cream, since these flavours are universally accepted without fail. If you heat the cake in the microwave then add a dollop of ice cream on top, you have a guaranteed smorgasbord of sinful, sweet, sticky delight. Family members will be talking about it as if you created something unique and awesome.
Speaking of awesome, why not try to revive something that was once very popular in Jamaica … decorating the home with lights, tinsels and ornaments. This is the perfect way to put yourself into a good mood. In years gone by, neighbours used to try to outdo each other with Christmas decorations, even adding life size inflatable Santa and Rudolph that would have children and adults alike stopping to gawk, admire and take pictures.
On some streets people even voted for the best overall theme or the most cohesive and colourful décor and a prize would be given to that creative household. Indeed no one can stay grumpy or depressed with dozens of lights strung up before them and Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole singing about a white Christmas. It may not be snowing here in Jamaica but a string of all white lights works just as well and if you want to make it an ‘irie’ Christmas, just add Fab Five Christmas songs to your playlist which talks of joyrides, hams, grand market and everything traditional and fun. traditional and fun.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #8 in a store near you.