Bah Humbugs, Gingerbread Men and Mistletoes

Today is Christmas Day and I'm happy to report that I'm here with my relatives in Jamaica celebrating a highly reggae-fied holiday (yes, I keep making up new words! Stay with me here!). So you must be wondering what's the purpose of the title. Well, Jamaican Christmases have a different flavour... literally! The way we celebrate is different, the pot roast beef is different, the roast chicken is different, the egg nog is different... you get the point. 
Growing up, Christmas for me was never about a jolly, fat guy breaking into people's homes to spread good cheer, or stalking you to check if you've been naughty or nice (creepy! We had our mom to do that!). Instead, it was a holy time of togetherness, food, family and food (note that I said food twice). We were never a wealthy family, but my mother always made sure we decorated our house with hand-made construction-paper letters that said "Merry Christmas" and the pepper lights on the inside windows had a new design every year. The smell of pot-roast beef and coconut-peanut cookies permeated the house and even after having a heavy breakfast, we were still just anticipating the dinner with family and friends. 

We had no conifer trees to trim with pretty fandangles (yes, it's an actual word) and we have no snow. We live almost 5000 miles from the geographic North Pole and so, Santa was furthest from our minds. But you know what? We were happy. We came together to celebrate the Yuletide season and we worked together as a family to make it happen. Never mind the gifts... we hardly ever got any; but it didn't matter. 
My Bah Humbugs come from the highly commercialized, gift grabbing, how-expensive-is-the-gift-you-got-me-compared-to-what-I-bought-you-for-Christmas, elusive Santa-guy, oops-I-forgot-to-get-my-boss-a-gift, kind of affair and it is very sad. I have become deeply saddened because of how heavily advertised the holiday is as a marketing ploy, while removing entirely the actual reason for celebrating the season. 
In the North, it's the smell of gingerbread men that come out to greet me and it makes my heart sad, as gingerbread men hold an entirely different meaning from the cookies in Jamaica. Mistletoes actually break my heart as they remind me that I am not at home. Christmas today is a remnant of what it was many years ago. But I am happy that I am now in Jamaica for the first time in years with the familiar smell of pot-roast beef, delicious Christmas cake (and whatever else we're looking after for dinner) and my family... my relatives and friends all here with me... and guess what? We have no gifts to exchange... we don't feel awkward or weird about it. We are here with each other and that is all that matters!!

So Merry Chrissmuss from Jamaica!! Bah Humbugs have been laid to rest this year as I celebrate the season surrounded by love!

Have a wonderful Christmas my readers and remember to celebrate with the reason for the season at the fore! ~JGIC

Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.

The Heart and Soul of A Nation: Tessanne Chin

As a Jamaican, I have never really paid attention to mainstream Jamaican radio, simply because almost everything is about dancehall music or an announcement about some street dance; so I was oblivious to the soulful tones of The Voice champion Tessanne Chin. 
The competition started while I was still in Canada and I was clueless as to what this "Voice" thing is, so I asked a few questions and someone told me it's like the X-Factor (yes, I live under a rock!). So, upon hearing that Tessanne Chin - a Jamaican - was entering the competition, I instantly became interested and investigated the times for the show. Unfortunately, I was blocked from the show in my area (don't judge me, I'm a student... I can't afford cable), so I had to rely on posts on Facebook and Dutty Berry for the hilarious weekly reviews.

Tessanne & Husband, Michael Cuffe

Every week, my roommates would hear me cheering for the songstress as week after week she delivered a powerful, emotional performance. I recall hearing her rendition of "Unconditional," and I had to buy it. I listened to the original version as well, and I believe she did that song justice. She was phenomenal! 
The night of her victory reminded me of the Beijing Olympics. I was in Jamaica this time and yes, I was glued to my TV. When she was announced the winner of the competition, I could hear the distant clanging of dutch pot covers. Then I saw highlights of Half-Way-Tree square... blocked off... people were in the streets with all kinds of noise-makers and traffic was at a standstill as people celebrated in droves. Just as I thought it was over, I heard a single clanging in the community... a man... one man was walking around the block... clang...clang...clang... with his dutch pot and the cover in celebration of Tessanne's victory. I had to laugh a little, because it is at this time, that we feel the heart and soul of our country.
Another important thing that caught my attention is her humility. Tessanne is such a humble soul; her mannerism, demeanor and spirit combined are reminiscent of a true lady. Amidst the unnecessary criticisms, she still managed to remain humble, took them in stride and continued her work. She confessed about being scared, she spoke about her hopes and dreams, and the love she has for her husband can be seen at every turn. She's down to earth and isn't afraid to let her personality show, even in her interviews, which, I believe, is very admirable. Her beauty and personality radiate inside out and it flowed out into her singing which I believe helped her on this journey to victory. 
So, thanks again Tessanne Chin (no disrespect to Mr. Cuffe) for placing Jamaica on the map yet again. Another halo has been added to our island home, thanks to you and your beautiful gift and I wish you all the best in your endeavours!  


Jodi-Ann is an Environmental Studies major in Nova Scotia, Canada.