Toni-Ann Neita, Staff Reporter
HAVING fun doesn't have to mean "money goin' dun". Entertainment for families, friends and couples is still available at reasonable costs.
Christmas time can be very hectic. There are so many things that have to be done that what you want to do can get pushed further and further back on your to-do list. In between the hustle and bustle of your working life it is important to try to add leisure activities, like movies or nights on the town, to your schedule.
A trip to the movies can put a dent in the wallet or purse for that matter. When the cost of popcorn, soda, nachos, sweets and whatever tasty treat your heart desires, is added to the price of the movie tickets a bill of $1,000 or more is not uncommon for a couple going on a movie date. And it costs probably twice that for a family of four.
With the recent announcement of increases in admission prices by Palace Amusement Company Limited, a trip to the movies this holidays is going to deliver an even heavier 'blow' to the pockets of movie patrons. All but the very devoted may reduce their number of movie trips or seek a less expensive alternative altogether.
A trip to the movies may have to be replaced by a trip to the nearest video club. The cost of renting a video varies greatly depending on your location. Overnight rental charges for videos range from a low as $30 to as high as $175 per video. DVD rental charges are about $100 to $200.
Add a bowl of microwaveable popcorn (about $100 plus G.C.T. for a pack of three), dim the lights and snuggle into the couch and enjoy a movie 'theatre' experience that should be almost like the real thing.
The great outdoors
If movies is not your thing then head outdoors. If you are in Kingston, demonstrate your golf skills, or lack thereof, at Putt N' Play in New Kingston. This is a miniature golf course that offers fun for all ages. A game costs $300 per adult and $150 per child. There are discounted rates available for groups of ten or more and also for persons playing before 4:00 p.m. on weekends.
Visitors to Putt N' Play can also play a game of dominoes (dominoes and tables provided) or can enjoy food and drinks.
One of the owners of Putt N' Play, Natalie Buckle, says that the business has enjoyed a "very good response". The clientele includes all ages and backgrounds. "We get lots of families, couples and groups of friends who are looking for something different to do in the afternoons and nights other than going to movies or clubs." She also added that the course will be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Paint the town red
For those less into physical activity and more into the club scene a great time can be had at little cost. Some clubs offer free entry any night and your only cost will be the drinks you buy and the food you eat, if it is offered. Other clubs have free entry on only some nights during the week. For example, entry to Priscilla's Night Club in Kingston is free on Wednesdays. Wednesday is also Karaoke night.
Asylum Night Club, Priscilla's and Carlos' Cafe (especially on 'Latin Night') are all great places in Kingston to do some fancy footwork for $300 and under plus the cost of drinks.
Amnesia Night Club in Ocho Rios, The Jungle Night Club in Negril, Margueritaville in Montego Bay and Club 2000 in May Pen are among the other popular night clubs in the island where a good time can be had without spending too much money.
A night of drinking and dancing on the town should cost under $1,000 which is not too heavy a price to pay for a little fun and cheer this Christmas.
'Sex on the Beach'
For those who want the drinking minus the dancing, head to one of the many sports bars across the island. Sports bars are ideal for the more laid back person who wants to engage in conversation or gossip over drinks and some food, and possibly a game of pool. For example, Jamrock Sports Bar and Grill in New Kingston is a popular 'hangout' where a good time can be had for a reasonable price. And with drinks with names like 'Sex on the Beach' and 'Between the Sheets' you are bound to have fun!
Trade in an expensive dinner at a restaurant for a picnic on the beach or 'lime' poolside at a nearby hotel or resort, with cocktail in hand. The possibilities are endless.
Dining out on
Christmas Day
Christmas day is usually a 'dead day', commercially speaking, because most people opt to stay at home. However, there is a growing segment of the population who don't have the time to cook a Christmas dinner or who just wish to dine out on Christmas Day. To capture this market a number of restaurants will be opening their doors this Christmas.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King and McDonalds' branches will be open as always. Kenny Rogers will also be open and is offering a Santa Special of a whole chicken, two large side orders, four muffins and a two litre soda for $535, inclusive of tax, from now until the end of December.
Up until Christmas Eve, a fully prepared meal of a Christmas ham or roasted turkey ($598 per pound and $380 per pound), along with all the necessary Christmas trimmings can be ordered for take-home from Deli Works Ltd. in Sovereign Centre, in Kingston.
Make reservations
If your choice is to dine at a restaurant on Christmas Day, the safest bet is to make reservations at a hotel's restaurant. Most of these will be open on the 25th. For example, the restaurant at Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston will be open.
They, and other hotel restaurants across the island, will be offering their guests "special Christmas menus" with Christmas meals ranging from about $800 to $1,600.
Terra Nova promises that guests sharing Christmas dinner with them will enjoy "a wide variety of sumptuous delights".
This does not mean that only restaurants in hotels will be open. Evita's Italian Restaurant in Ocho Rios says it will "definitely be open" and is offering a complete Christmas meal for $1,000 and $500 plus tax for adults and children, respectively. Juicy J's in Negril, The Pelican in Montego Bay, among others, will also be open.
Add yourself to your own shopping list and treat yourself to a good time this holiday; even if it is just once. As I've hopefully shown, a good time does not always come with a heavy price. And when it does, aren't you worth it? After all, you have been on Santa's good list all year through.
