While having conversations about our various holiday celebrations, someone asked what it was like to not have a Santa Claus or presents at Christmas. I said, “It was ok!” “You don’t really miss what you never had.” The look of puzzlement on the faces of various non-Caribbean members of the group did not surprised me. I used some of the time to share unapologetically, some of the Christmas experiences I had as a little girl.
Growing up in rural St. Thomas, Epping Farm to be exact, Santa Claus at Christmas was just an image of a white man with a long beard on a Christmas card. My family and I saw that image on Christmas cards that were sent from family members who lived in England. There were few stories of who Santa was so the image was not an important part of our celebration. Likewise, presents under a tree, was not something we thought about.
Growing up in rural St. Thomas, Epping Farm to be exact, Santa Claus at Christmas was just an image of a white man with a long beard on a Christmas card. My family and I saw that image on Christmas cards that were sent from family members who lived in England. There were few stories of who Santa was so the image was not an important part of our celebration. Likewise, presents under a tree, was not something we thought about.
In my community, if your family could splurge a little, a child might receive a fefe, a horn, a balloon, or a tall paper hat covered with colorful tissue paper for Christmas. We really looked forward to a good country dinner, usually curried goat or chicken, rice and peas, carrot juice or sorrel, and the famous fruit cake. Life was good, and we were content. I never thought of Santa, a Christmas Tree, presents, snow, or the things I have grown accustomed to experiencing in America. Christmas in Epping Farm was going to church and spending time eating with your family and friends. Some would ask, “Were you deprived?” My response continues to be “No.” Feeling deprived was not an emotion I felt at then. Christmas was a wonderful time of year even if I didn’t have what other families had.
I love Christmas, but I can also do without all of the engrossing activities that comes with my current life. During this time of year, my thoughts most often go back to that rural community where I grew up, and times filled with love of family, community, and God. That time is lovingly etched in my memory forever.
Merry Christmas Everyone! May your celebration be exactly like you want it to be.
I love Christmas, but I can also do without all of the engrossing activities that comes with my current life. During this time of year, my thoughts most often go back to that rural community where I grew up, and times filled with love of family, community, and God. That time is lovingly etched in my memory forever.
Merry Christmas Everyone! May your celebration be exactly like you want it to be.