Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

It's been a fabulous year and, as we approach Christmas, let's all do our part to make it a very merry Christmas for all!

Y'all know that old saying: 'To whom much is given, much is expected'? Well, them that's got have been giving and it is making for one fabulous Yuletide season all around!

Now, one family that's doing their part to bring some cheer to some who otherwise might not have any is the fabulous MaxBrowns, as patriarch Karlene MaxBrown, her son Carlos MaxBrown and her dee-vine daughter, Sophia MaxBrown, have opted to forswear all the presents that friends bestow upon them each year, and to donate same to the Maxfield Park Children's Home, in an effort to add some cheer to the residents of that institution.

Sharing on birthday

With Christmas Day being the birthday of the oh-so-lovely Sophia MaxBrown, and the renowned beauty opting to make her birthday a time of giving and sharing with those less fortunate, rather than indulging in the annual acts of self-indulgent con-sumption, typical of this season, you know the lady is a champ!

And the fabulous thing is the family has not restricted their caring to themselves, but have suggested and/or requested of friends and associates that they, too, can join in this act of giving, by dropping off a gift, a toy and/or any other item(s), they would like to donate to the home and/or its residents, at any of the MaxBrown stores, or at Carlos Café, and they will make sure that it all gets to the home and the children in time for them to join in the good cheers. Now, who could fault this family for such a noble gesture?

So, no doubt about it, we are wishing for the lovely Sophia MaxBrown a very happy birthday and a merry Christmas all rolled into one, come Monday, as she celebrates.

Also celebrating her birthday at Christmas is the lovely Sasha Miles (of Sun Island T-Shirt) who, like Sophia MaxBrown, will be having a double celebration on Monday! Many happy returns and a merry Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, however, it will be Dennis Lee who will be celebrating his birthday, and the word from his wife Maureen is that it will be a closed affair restricted to immediate family at their Yallahs residence in St. Thomas, and the word is it will be all about the celebration of family.

Now, on Monday of this week, the charming Jane Joslin, celebrated her birthday in Texas, with the word being she and hubby are now eyeing a Montana ranch, so wait for this!

Champagne wishes all around and beluga treats!

Jamrock festivities

Dennis Joslin and wife, Jane.

Singing sensation Andru Donalds and his Ukrainian beauty jetted in from their European home for the hot show of the season - 'Welcome To JamRock' - featuring reggae's hottest international acts, with the multi-talented and multi-award-winning Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley being the performing host and musically hot to trot!

Also jetting in for the event which kicks off later tonight at the Constant Spring football field, near Manor Park in St. Andrew, is the sister of the Grammy-winning Marley, the beautiful Leah Tavares-Finson, who flew in from Toronto for this the second staging of the very well-received show that had its inaugural staging last year in New Kingston to rave reviews. Tonight's show promises to be a sizzler, so you all know this one is a must attend!

Jetting in from the windy city for a few days of fun and sun is the faultlessly lovely Claire Salomon, the multi-talented soprano who gave a priceless recital last season that was nothing short of a command performance, and was so fabulous, those who guested are still a-begging for a return encore!

The invites are out for the preferred New Year's eve celebrations, and so the rush is on as those making the cut are now hitting the malls and houses offering couture designs in search of the right look for the premiere event of the season, and it promises to be one fine season ending and opening finale.

Over-booked rooms

Pirates extraordinaire, Carlos MaxBrown (right) and Paul Bitter, all costumed at 'Buccaneer Bash' held earlier this year.

The buzz is, from Port Antonio to Negril, there will be some mighty fine parties lighting up the night. Already, there's word that there's no room at some of the island's preferred resorts, as they are all over-booked and flowing for the season with nationals seeking to get out of town and away from it all, learning that destination Jamaica is not only hot, it's sizzling. And the international visitors are all piling in for the holidays, opting for some fun in the sun, as against a white Christmas.

And it will be some fun in the sun for this here scribe, as this column wishes for all its readers a very merry Christmas!