Musing About Island Christmas of Years Past
written by: Sheila Henry
Christmas morn
I sit quietly with thoughts
reminiscing on Christmases past.
Ah, the toil is over,
after weeks of busied shopping and home improvement;
draperies hung and fresh paint coats the walls,
the holiday menu was ready to begin.
I still remember intoxicating aromas
wafting through the house
a fusion of savory smells all mixed together
of different meats roasting in the oven
while several sides simmer atop the stove.
Sorrel, ginger beer and punch de creme
bottled and ready for drinking
and salty picnic ham to share with guests.
And it’s not an island Christmas
if there are no fruit cakes to share.
Baking was done on Christmas Eve,
but preparation began months in advance.
Dried fruits of currants, raisins, citron and prunes
measured in the right poundage, were ground and
stored in glass jars with rum and wine to soak till right.
Christmas Eve was a festive groove
when carolers came singing outside our door.
Parang singers also stopped by with their cuatros.
They lit up the night singing their merry parang songs,
adding a magical energy to the night.
Perhaps the echoes of my dad’s loud voice can still be heard
shouting MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL at the strike of midnight.
There were no chimneys for
Santa to descend and no fancy sleighs
with reindeers for him to ride, and the
temps could reach the 80’s on Christmas morn,
but Santa was still on every child’s mind.
Whether a gift was received or not was inconsequential,
Christmas was about sharing spirit and energy by
celebrating the birth of Baby Jesus born in a manger, and
who three wise men followed a star to find. And for us folks,
enjoyment of food and libations with friends, as we reveled
from house to house on Christmases past.
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