Chrismus Not So Long Ago

Contributed

The Christmas season started long before December 25

We often would feel the wind of change. The cool, chilly winds that greeted us signalled the 'Chrismus breeze'. The willows sang loudly, and we lingered in bed on those smokey, misty mornings. Dewdrops were like raindrops, beautifully perched on leaves and slowly glided down the window panes.

The air was usually thick with excitement, and the season summoned everyone to prepare.

Roadways were bushed; yard cut clean; stones and tree trunks whitewashed; houses painted; windows  cleaned; curtains changed and new furniture  for some.

Some would've  soaked fruits all year long for the signature event of baking "chrismuss" cake.  Sorrel picked to make that famous beverage with pimento, ginger and rice for fermentation. Gungo peas, roasted, and curried meats were standard delectables.

Christmas decor was simple but reflected the theme of the season.  A limb from the pine tree fragranced the house and was our 'Chrismus tree' . We made our own Santa, along with other homemade decorations, and displayed cards received.

Folks gave any and everything 'cept a wrapped gift. Good vibes and positive vibrations weren't restricted to the financially able and affluent but all who were willing to participate in the festivities of the season.

We had Christmas song sessions in our household usually from our church hymnal. They were different and special for that time of year. Church groups often would go caroling on 'Chrismus mawning'.  Pageants, plays and other cultural events were expressions of the theme.

People weren't sad, lonely or depressed because everyone belonged to a family—community, church, or biological.

CHRISTMAS wasn't jus' food but a message of goodwill, a feast of love, joy and happiness. Preserve the kulcha n mek wi have a irie "CHRISMUS" 2024.

Contributed by Octavia Smith 

Note: 

Octavia is my sister, a graduate of Westwood High and a retired banker. We both went to Lowe River All Age School in Trelawny.