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It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!
For those who are familiar with popular Christmas tunes, this is a line from the 1963 classic Christmas song, by Andy Williams, which to date, still receives a lot of airplay throughout the holiday season.
Here in Dominica, no one can deny it is the most wonderful time of the year. Though we don’t experience a white, or cold Christmas in the Caribbean like the countries closer to the north and south poles, there are still many wonderful feelings to be felt at this time of year.
It is said that ‘Christmas is for children‘. there is truth to this, as many young ones look forward to receiving gifts on Christmas day and many adults go the extra mile to purchase these gifts to put under the Christmas tree, or to deliver to the tiny tots.
But the spirit of giving trickles down further and isn’t only for the children. The less fortunate families, and charitable institutions – which care for vulnerable, look forward to the Christmas season to receive some much needed packages and donations of essential items each year. Thus, the anticipation of receiving these items also brings a feel-good mood among those in need.
Don’t get us started on the food. In the Caribbean the anticipation of a grand meal is not that different from anywhere else. Everyone looks forward to the food and drink specific to this time of year. Here we are talking about – the fruit cake (Caribbean style black cake), sorrel juice, ginger beer, eggnog, ham and turkey etc. Food brings a good feeling to all, especially when it is shared with family and loved ones. After all, Christmas time is family time.
Jamaican black cake (fruit cake) Photo credit:jamaicanfoodsandrecipes.com
And while this custom is not as popular as it used to be here in Dominica, the singing of carols, or sewenal is another aspect of the season which brings a joyous feeling both to those who deliver the songs and to those who receive the jubilant melodies.
A little bit on the flips side
Photo credit:aquestionable.faith
Despite the pervasive good feeling of Christmas in Dominica, there are pockets of people to whom the good feelings may not extend. Adults try their utmost to protect children from the harsh realities of life for as long as they can, which is commendable, but the fact is that a lot of people are going through some trying times; especially over the past 3 years.
We speak of those who have lost jobs thanks to the impacts of Covid and other relatable events, who thereby have no stable income for the season or the new year. We also consider the rise in inflation and the impact it has had on the affordability of goods and services. And, just recently there was a gas shortage (even up to Christmas eve) in Dominica which definitely dampened he holiday spirit and there are fears of other shortage looms in the not too distant future; among other things.
All in all the ‘Christmas feels’ in Dominica may vary from household to household. But, let’s all remember ‘The true reason for the season’, which is to be reminded of and be thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ and also to challenge ourselves to make the coming year better for our friends, families, coworkers, and most importantly, ourselves.
Written By: Andrea Louis
For: Generation Y Dominica
Generation Y Dominica 