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The Good Ole Jamaican Christmas

The Good Ole Jamaican Christmas The Good Ole Jamaican Christmas

That one day of the year that’s like no other with so much time and energy spent to ensure it’s down to perfection. The time when you can spoil yourself and the family to delicious food, fine drinks and neatlywrapped treats glistening under the twinkling evergreen. Endless shopping for essentials when you thought you had everything but realised you need just one more thing!

Living overseas we will hunt far and wide to find all the necessary ingredients for our Jamaican Christmas. Soaking the gungo peas overnight along with the mixed fruits soaked in ruby wine and white rum for months on end for the ultimate fruit cake of the year. Time to collect the order of mutton, capon and snapper to prepare that authentic marinade topped with scallions and thyme. Seasonings complimented by songs from Capleton, Richie Spice and some gospel from the kitchen stereo to get us in the vibe. Rocking away cooking and baking, pouring love into the food. On the eve and only hours to go before we all tuck in, we ring around the family to ask what’s cooking and what’s on the menu. Ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings galore, macaroni cheese, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts to make up the festive feast. Then comes that feeling of accomplishment knowing that all is set for the next day. A plethora of tinsel and dangling decorations sweep the house, filled stockings hanging on the fire place while toes thaw out by the roaring flames. Curled up and cosy with the thermostat at its peak, feeling lazy at the slightest task. No matter what the weather man says, the family fun and festivities wipe out any grey cloud in the sky.

Though nothing compares to the vibrant displays of the Grand Market in Jamaica on Christmas Eve. Sounds and scenes are bursting with excitement, something for each member of the family. Loud and proud is how we do it best. Children beaming with joy as black Santa greets them with treats and hugs. Picking up the fresh veg in the market, ackee by the dozen not forgetting the breadfruit, ripe and ready for roasting. The sights and smells signal Christmas is here, let’s eat drink and be merry. Spending the afternoon at the beach, soaking up the rays or taking a cool dip by the river to wash off the load from the last year.

That benevolent feeling fills the air during this time of year, one that dissipates all too soon. Fun, family, love and laughter is what makes this a magical time to experience and bask in as much as we can before the countdown to another new year.

To continue reading, Purchase Vol. 8 Issue #3 2015.