CHRISTMAS
has always been my favourite time of year. I grew up in Trinidad, where the
traditions of the season are deeply rooted and highly enjoyable. It is the time
of PARANG when in each village
groups of musicians would go from house to house singing a special type of
Christmas song accompanied by guitars, mandolins, cuatros and sometimes a
box-base while rhythm is kept by beating empty (or half-empty) rum bottles with
spoons.
Christmas also had its SPECIAL
FOODS. Apart from the 'international' ham and fruitcake, there were
others, like pastelles. It was the time when strict parents relented and
allowed youngsters to drink alcohol, the youngest having cherry brandy and
ponche crema, a home-made alcoholic delicacy.
CHRISTMAS
CAROLS like Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls
together with all the carols sang around the nativity scenes are blasted in
all radio stations and airwaves. While
trinis flock the streets SHOPPING
for curtains and gifts all in preparation to celebrate Christmas.
At Christmas time, my family, like many others, continued a
tradition of waiting until Christmas Eve, the end of the ADVENT SEASON
(with all its solemnity and reflection) to welcome the birth of Christ.
CHRISTMAS
TIME DOES BRING SOME OF OUR BEST AND WARMEST FEELINGS AND MEMORIES.
So, needless to say, I love Christmas time.
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