Eagerly awaiting the arrival of Christmas,
Like a plane in the sky dipping for the landing,
We are still not used to the chill that ushers in.
We still laugh and cheer on Christmas day.

The house is decorated with pepper lights and poinsettias,
You can also see them along the streets.
A staple decoration for this time of year,
Can you tell that this island is festive?

On the eve of Christmas,
Gran market is at play.
Every major town is decked with crowds for miles every minute of the day.

While the teenagers venture out,
The grandparents are attending midnight mass.
A special church service on Christmas Eve,
A tradition they will not pass.

The eve will leave,
And the day will come.
The house will eat fruitcake,
And drink sorrel and rum.

We will carol the Jamaican way with songs like "We wish you an irie Christmas" by Jacob Miller, Gregory Isaac's "Christmas behind bars,"
And our favorite "Santa ketch up inna mango tree" by Faith D'Aguilar.

The day after Christmas,
We call it Boxing Day.
It's the day of rest and meeting families and going your merry way.

Whether on Christmas,
Boxing, or New Year's day,
Look forward to the fun,
Yet terrifying Jonkunnu parade.

I've enjoyed these festivities,
For years with no complaints.
Look at this island's culture,
Look at the tapestry it paints.
© Myth
#Jamaica
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