I hope you enjoyed the Christmas holidays!
I didn't grow up celebrating Christmas, so the holidays are never a big deal to me. In a Jehovah's Witness (JW) household, there are no exchange of gifts, decorations or any of the festivities of Christmas. My most fond memory of Christmas is being able to attend grand market in Brown’s Town (St. Ann). If you are Jamaican, then you know grand market is pure excitement and bashment! As a child, I would fervently pray that grand market didn't fall on a Tuesday or Thursday night (Kingdom Hall meeting nights) so I would be allowed to go. Once I was there, I would try to find every reason for us to linger to revel in the excitement. I remember dodging my mom until almost midnight one grand market so I could hang out with my friends. Needless to say, when she eventually found me, she was not a happy camper (read: she nearly 'box' me down in the middle of the town in front of crowd).
Though not a JW today, I never put up decorations and "happy holidays" is all I can muster, since I can't bring myself to say 'Merry Christmas'. As for gifts, I rarely think about them.
Contrast that with hubby. Christmas is his favourite holiday. Thankfully, his mom spends her Christmas holidays with us, so she makes up for my lacklustre acknowledgment of the holidays.
This year, as I celebrated with his family, I realised why Garfield loves Christmas. Forget the debate about whether or not Jesus was born on December 25th. I think we all know that's a lie. The Christmas holidays is all about family and togetherness.
For Babsy (my mom-in-law) it's a yearly ritual of cooking the most delicious and extravagant meals for her family. This Christmas eve, I struggled to keep up (and by keep up, I mean stay awake to keep her company) as she lovingly prepared meal after meal going to bed at almost 3a.m. and then back on her feet catering to her family all day on Christmas. In fact, the prepping started days before Christmas with the baking of her famous (best ever) Christmas cakes, carrot cake and sorrel. I especially love that at these family gatherings, Jordan gets to meet and hang out with cousins, uncles and aunties that we don't get to see year-round. The entire house smells like Christmas and I now understand why hubby relishes every minute of the holidays.
Tell us in the comments below, what do you love most about Christmas?
Keeping up with our favourite families
Speaking of Christmas, I totally enjoyed my timeline being flooded with family photo shoots. Here are a few of my Insta favourites:
This funny photo shop from @nicolemclarencampbell
Picture perfect holiday shots from:
And of course, a few favourites from my very own family!
Foodies
Confession: I was too busy gobbling down Babsy's cooking to take note of any food posts. If I am lucky, I may convince her to share her Christmas or carrot cake recipe with you. In the meantime, I know your fridge is filled with left overs, so here is a great recipe idea for left over ham.
Podcast Pick of the Week
@Tamichinmitchell has launched a new podcast - Tami tackles everything. If like me, you are interested in hearing about her transition from music to wife, mom and entrepreneur, then you’ll find the first episode very interesting. You’ll also learn why she chose a hair salon as her business even though she had no experience in the field.
Tune in and let me know what you think?
Conversation starters
We know the partying hasn't stopped and will only kick into high gear as we prepare to ring in a new year.
Say this as you sip your drink New Year’s Eve: This is the last straw... literally!
Come Tuesday, January 1, 2019 there will be a ban on single use plastic which includes:
- single-use plastic bags;
- plastic straws; and
- styrofoam products
The ban will not apply to plastic bags used to maintain public health and for food-safety standards.
Finally, a topic that we can all agree on.
Ahem... not so fast.
The opposition is calling for a delay on the ban arguing that a wider public education campaign needs to be conducted. They’ve also cited the negative impact on medium and small business.
The government says, "No!" We can’t keep stalling.
They aren’t too keen on granting any exemptions either. Just so you know, a breach of the ban could result in a fine of up to $2 million or imprisonment for up to two years.
Woosah!
Have you stocked up on boxes or reusable bags to pack your groceries come January 1?
Resolutions
Speaking of January 1, are you already over all the 'new year, new me' memes flooding your timeline? I have one resolution, really: to get Jordan, aka Titty Monster off my boobs. Time to bring out the aloe vera! I also need to get her out of our bed, but i'll take it in stages 🙂
What are your plans for 2019? Please share in the comments.
Party Time
Cheers and food vibes as you ring in the new year! I'll be celebrating at @frenchmenparty.
Where will you be?
If you enjoyed this post remember to subscribe and share!
See you in 2019!
I love the conversational tone.
For the past few years I was not feeling ‘Christmassy’ lol but this year was different. I thought maybe it was the change in temperature in Mobay.
The ban, I believe is a great move. I also agree with educating the public but while educating, we can still start the process. Time to reduce our carbon footprint.
Great post Lecia. P.s: I actually read it in your voice lol
Thank you Tami!!! Happy New Year when it comes!!!