Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
Spending Christmas at a hotel this year could mean waking up to a tree like this one on December 25. The tree, which graces the lobby of the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, was officially lit on Sunday.
LEAVE THE pots and apron and be waited on and pampered in a relaxed setting this Christmas by checking into a hotel. Sounds weird? Not for some persons who have erased the extra work that comes with Christmas Day and instead sing, "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" with strangers at a hotel.
Sisters, Beverly Powell and Mervis Henry, accompanied by their husbands, have spent Christmas at hotels four times in recent years.
"I don't have to make up my bed, clean anywhere, and my husband says I'll have more time to spend with him," said Mrs. Powell, 63.
Suffering from a slipped disc that produces aches and pains in her joints, Mrs. Powell told Lifestyle her decision to spend the season in a hotel was made because over the years she had been doing the cooking and shopping at Christmas. "But it's a lot for me to handle, and I just cannot manage the shopping, it's too much. The crowd in the town is already heavy, police have to direct traffic and after all that hassle, I have to cook. By the time dinner is served I don't enjoy it," she said.
REASONS FOR THE SEASON
Mrs. Powell was able to convince her sister, Mervis Henry and her husband to accompany them to a hotel for Christmas. And Mrs. Henry has not regretted it. Now 72, Mrs. Henry said she loves entertaining and hotel life. "The food is delicious, especially because it's prepared by someone else. I have been in catering for a long time so I enjoy eating out, " she said.
Mrs. Powell, a grandmother and wife, said that another reason they have opted for hotels during Christmas is that with their children living overseas the Yuletide is somewhat boring.
"When I was overseas, the grandchildren and their partners were around for Christmas. Now, since we returned home, most Christmases it's just my husband and my sister and her husband. That's not Christmas for me. It's more than just four people - not a crowd - but more family members."
Except for Christmas 2001, the couple have spent every Christmas since 2000 in a hotel, having started this vacation practice in the late 1990s. The couple has been to hotels in Negril, Westmoreland; Montegto Bay, St. James; in 2003 they rented a four-bedroom villa in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. For this Christmas, bookings have been made at a hotel in Oracabessa, St. Mary, where they spent five days last year. However, this year the Powells and Henrys will stay for two days, Christmas and Boxing Day, for almost $40,000 per couple. "I will just have my bath and make myself look prettier," Mrs. Powell said.
BOOK NOW
She encouraged anyone who wants to spend Christmas at a hotel to book now. "If you don't book early you might not get one of the nice places. You will be amazed that despite how expensive these places are some hotels are booked out as far back as March."
The sisters noted that the family togetherness is still felt at the hotels since they meet many persons and connections are formed. "I have met persons whom I have formed alliances with, persons whom I call occasionally," said Mrs. Powell. In addition, she said that the ambience at the hotels is warm. "The hotels are nicely set up with lovely decorations and big Christmas trees. On top of that we meet people and talk about different cultures and catch up on current affairs. The dinner is also spectacular; food is all-inclusive and there is a wider choice of meat dishes."
Mrs. Henry also noted that despite not having her son with her, spending Christmas at a hotel is enjoyable and relaxing. "The fact that I do not have to get up and go in the kitchen - someone prepares and presents breakfast, lunch and dinner - it is just wonderful."
In the evening all Mrs. Henry has to do is dress up, eat and be entertained. "So different from being at home," she said.
"I would encourage anyone who has been in the kitchen most of their life and want to get away, to try it," said Mrs. Henry.
