Keisha Shakespeare, Staff Reporter
Festive tablecloths like these carry the Christmas decor theme and are perfect for extra tables on the patio close to your dining area, when the entire family is ready for the main meal on December 25. Home decorated by florist Marigold Harding. - PHOTOS BY IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE SOUNDS of laughter and chatter fill the air as everyone exchanges greetings. It has been months since we all gathered under one roof and you can tell from a mile away that my relatives are here again. Chaos is everywhere.
Although many would be put off by the constant loud music, shouting, dancing, and eating, I am just overjoyed that my loved ones are home. We don't get to see each other often throughout the year, so we look forward to Christmas.
Christmas morning is exciting, not because there are presents to receive, but because we are up early to go carolling. By 4: 30 a.m., the house is usually filled with activity as everyone gets ready to go.
By 5:00 a.m. we gather at Milk River Church of God Ground of Truth in Clarendon. In groups we walk from house to house with candles lit, singing songs of our Saviour's birth. Even the dogs join in with their barking chorus.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
Afterwards, we head back home because grandma usually cooks the biggest breakfast of traditional foods, including: ackee and saltfish, calaloo, hot chocolate 'tea' and fried dumplings. Cleaning up the kitchen is the job of the grandchildren and they have to hurry so grandma can get on with Christmas dinner.
Traditionally, Christmas dinner is gungo peas and rice, curried goat, jerked chicken, fried fish, stewed chicken, potato salad, and mixed vegetables. Dessert is fruit cake complemented by grandma's famous sorrel drink.
Although most of my relatives have emigrated to the United States, Christmas remains the same. The house is always filled with relatives, their children and in-laws. Chaos fills the rooms because everywhere there's a piece of luggage lying carelessly around. Despite the commotion, I love having all my relatives around. They can be very noisy, but I don't mind at all. However, my grandfather cannot take the constant babbling so he stays out of the yard as much as possible.
STORIES, GAMES AND TRIPS
There can never be a Christmas at my house until it is well decorated with lights; the Christmas tree is usually decked with lights and ornaments. When viewed from the road, our house resembles a lighthouse. At nights, we gather at the gate to watch the lights. Sometimes people from the community usually pass by just to see it.
On other nights during the season, we all congregate under the big almond tree, while my uncle, Wintson Shakespeare, tells 'duppy stories'. Other nights we play games until in the wee hours of the morning. In spite of the late nights, we are up by 7:00 a.m.on Boxing Day.
A trip to the beach is one of the season's most exciting activities. I am in charge of making the sandwiches for the journey and another cousin takes care of the drinks.
