When I was growing up in Epping Farm, Christmas was fun! Our Christmas had no Santa Claus, Christmas trees, wrapped gifts, or crackling fireplaces. Epping Farm looked nothing like the Christmas cards we would get from England or America. There were no wrapped gift boxes, smoke-filled chimneys, twinkling lights, or snow anywhere!
Children in Epping Farm played with homemade toys like a gig, or a fife. The boys played marbles and the girls played jacks and ring games. If by chance grandparents visited “Town,” some children might receive a starlight, a horn, some chi-bum, or some clappers.
Christmas for every family was the time of year to “fix up” the house, do extra chores around the yard, wear new clothes to church, visit family and friends, and eat special foods. Bwoy! Did I look forward to my grandma making some tie-leaf! Mmmm.
My family’s Christmas dinner was stewed chicken, rice and peas, cho-cho, and plantains. We drank carrot juice and sorrel. Throughout the day, instead of cookies, we ate special treats like tie-leaf, fruitcake, and puddings. We celebrated with family, neighbors, and friends.
I am years removed from that environment, and each time this special time of year approaches, I wish I could go back to the simplicity of what Christmas was back then. Merry Christmas everyone!
Christmas for every family was the time of year to “fix up” the house, do extra chores around the yard, wear new clothes to church, visit family and friends, and eat special foods. Bwoy! Did I look forward to my grandma making some tie-leaf! Mmmm.
My family’s Christmas dinner was stewed chicken, rice and peas, cho-cho, and plantains. We drank carrot juice and sorrel. Throughout the day, instead of cookies, we ate special treats like tie-leaf, fruitcake, and puddings. We celebrated with family, neighbors, and friends.
I am years removed from that environment, and each time this special time of year approaches, I wish I could go back to the simplicity of what Christmas was back then. Merry Christmas everyone!
