Jamaican Christmas Reflections: Love, Laughter, and God’s Grace....

It will be Christmas in a few days and I remember as a child growing up in Jamaica the joy of helping to prepare the house for the holiday, making sure everything was just right for family members and visitors who came from all over the island to my grandparents home in St Catherine. Curtains were changed, the yard was swept clean, floors shone brightly, and everything smelled of pine or freshly polished wood. It was as if the house itself knew something special was happening and dressed for the occasion.

Thankfulness to God

At the core of it all was gratitude to God. Christmas was a celebration of the greatest gift of all—the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to save us. Church services were central to the season, and we would attend with our finest clothes, singing carols that still echo in my heart today. The message of hope, love, and redemption was a reminder of what truly mattered. It wasn’t about the material; it was about the eternal.

A Feast to Remember

Of course, no Jamaican Christmas was complete without the food. Oh, the food! The kitchen became a hub of activity as everyone pitched in. There was rice and peas, curry goat, fried chicken, pot roast cooked to perfection, and a table filled with desserts like Christmas cake soaked in rum and sorrel drinks brewed with ginger and cloves. The aromas alone were enough to make your mouth water.

But it wasn’t just about eating; it was about sharing. Plates of food were sent to neighbors and friends. No one was left out because Christmas was a time to give and spread joy. It felt good to know that even the smallest gesture could brighten someone else’s holiday.

Fun, Laughter, and Memories

What I loved most were the moments of pure fun. Children ran around playing games, adults told jokes and reminisced, and the air was filled with music—sometimes carols, other times the lively beat of reggae. Every year brought a sense of magic, and even now, those memories feel like treasures I can unwrap whenever I need a smile.

Cherishing It All Today

As an adult, I look back on those Christmases in Jamaica with deep gratitude. They taught me that the holiday season isn’t about what you have under the tree but who you have around it. The memories of faith, family, and fun have shaped how I celebrate Christmas now with an emphasis on love, gratitude, and creating meaningful moments.

This Christmas, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of togetherness and thankfulness. Whether you’re surrounded by a large family or sharing a quiet moment with a close friend, remember the reason for the season: God’s love for us, made manifest in the gift of His Son.

Let’s make memories that will not only warm our hearts today but will also last a lifetime.

Merry Christmas, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and the blessings of God’s grace!