A Jamaican Christmas

THE WEEKLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 10 - DECEMBER 16, 2020 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | I F OR MANY Jamaicans, the count down to Christmas begins with the end of summer, with special plans meticulously laid to mark the year end. November brings the rush of activities to a climax, fanned by what locals call the ‘Christmas breeze’ – the start of the chilly weather that ushers in December and the Christmas period. Largely marked as a Christian holy day which recognises the birth of Jesus Christ, a JIS article notes ‘Christmas in Jamaica features Gran’ Market, elabo- rate church services, parties with sump- tuous food, community gatherings and warm interaction with friends and fam- ily. Every activity is made more sig- nificant with the sharing of gifts, the traditional Christmas pudding or cake, ham, sorrel, rum punch and eggnog, among other treats. Many Jamaicans cannot celebrate the season without adding Christmas lights to brighten freshly painted houses, whitewashed fences and trimmed hedges. The celebration of Christmas in Jamaica dates back to the period of slavery in the 17th century, when the The Tivoli Dance Troupe puts on an encore performance at a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the St. WilliamGrand Park. FILE A JAMAICAN CHRISTMAS 2 CHRISTMAS FEATURE PLEASE SEE JAMAICAN, 4 Celebration! THE WE KLY GLEANER | DECEMBER 10, 2020 - JANUA Y 9, 2021 | w .ja aica-gleaner.co | CHRISTMAS FEATURE