Jamaican Christmas Back Then...

Jamaican Christmas back in the day was like Christmas nowhere else. Being a unique little island with our own way of doing things, it was never like the Christmas we saw on television or read about in books. It was different yet it was in many ways just as good as or even better than anywhere else.

As children we looked forward to Christmas because for many of us it meant the coming of new things from the good old United States, coveted toys and other childhood treasures. Personally I always managed to have an entirely new wardrobe from gifts and stuff sent by relatives from overseas. It was also a lot of fun for us, from school parties to office parties, to church events and community events. A tree lighting ceremony here, a watch night there, or some caroling on the radio or television would help to lift us into the Christmas season.

I still am thrilled each time I smell rum and cinnamon because they herald the completion of a tasty batch of Christmas cakes/pudding, and sorrel beverage. These were common offerings to guests who visited our house during the season and we in turn received the same from our hosts who entertained us. As for me, I could never have too much of it and to this day I haven't changed, so much so, I just had to learn to make my own sorrel and bake my own cake.

Food was always plentiful it seems, and even in struggling households, Christmas was evident. You see, it wasn't just about the tree decorating and all that crazy spending as it has been made to seem of late with all the commercialism, but it was a family and community affair. No one is ever alone, family always visits. If no family, then friends do.

At school we had`` las' day" which to you non Jamaicans would be equal to the last day of the semester, and this is the day for all the class parties. Each class would throw its own bash, and many times this included wearing party clothes and not the school attire.

Then we would be off for our Christmas break. For me that was bitter sweet because though I was glad to be home, I dreaded the work I was going to have to do at home. All through the holidays I would have to help clean, bake, shop, and visit, entertain and do pretty much everything to make the event a success. The whole house had to be cleaned and painted, drapes changed and holiday sheets taken "out de barrel" or closet as it were. Then the yard would be cleaned also, stones whitewashed and the list continues. This was not happening at my house alone but all over Jamaica.

Then the day itself came, with us all dressed up to catch the longest most boring service at church, to return home to complete the festivities with a wholesome dinner of chicken rice and gungo peas ( pigeon peas to you non Jamaicans) ham, salad, beef and curry goat, sorrel and a house full of happy guests sometimes even the pastor.

I really miss it, and I hope that some of this tradition is around for the younger ones who followed us because they would be truly robbed of a very unique and enjoyable tradition and experience.

Dear Readers,

Not too long ago "mi brethren Dwight" made reference to some patties that he had and how the coloring was too yellow and how it just "sidung pon u stomach". (Chuckles) "Boy mi understand u pain!" Any how I am here today to tell you that I found a place with a product that is a reasonable replica of the all powerful king of patties Tastee Jamaica limited. I found the place via word of mouth; a little restaurant and pub hidden in the countryside of North Carolina called the Dutch Pot. Nondescript, the kind of place you would pass by without noticing, but readers, what lies within is remarkable.

Along with some of the tastiest patties and coco bread I have had outside of Jamaica they also serve traditional dishes like ox-tail, curry goat, jerk chicken, ackee, and the good old dumpling, even fried plantain!

The prices were reasonable, compared to some other places I have been to and good enough to satisfy a damn good cook such as myself (more chuckles). If you are ever in or passing through Fayetteville N.C, please pay them a visit you won't be disappointed.

This interesting and tasty little tidbit lead to the realization on my part that "yard culture" has spread so far that even the most remote little places can boast cuisine music and culture like that of home. It wasn't even a Jamaican who let me in on the location of the restaurant but a United States citizen (white man). So you see how far we reach! I have found a little flea market type place where I can get CDs, incense, pictures and t-shirts all with a Jamaican theme. I was really surprised as I only expected to see this in the most urban places where people are more likely to stop first because of the obvious economic opportunities and diversity. Now I am as proud as ever to know that even the country folk of the U.S. are getting some of the yard culture. We truly have gone international!