No place like home for the holidays

“Don’t let anything dim yuh spirit.”

That was the message echoed by returning Jamaicans at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on Monday, as travellers arriving for the Christmas holidays said they remain focused on family, gratitude, and celebration, despite the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa.

Among those returning was Donnett Green, a cosmetologist travelling from the Turks and Caicos Islands to spend the season with relatives in Kingston. Green said she makes the journey home every year because family remains her top priority.

“Being around family is the most important thing, and there is nowhere else I would rather spend Christmas than Jamaica,” she said.

Unfazed by concerns that the hurricane could affect festivities, Green was adamant, “No, I am not going to let anything dim my spirit.”

With friends visiting the island for the first time, she said her plans include introducing them to local culture, food, and attractions.

“I have to show them around, let them know the island, and try to enjoy themselves,” she said, laughing as she listed ham and sorrel among her favourite Christmas foods.

Green contrasted the experience with Christmas abroad, describing the festive atmosphere in Jamaica as unmatched.

“Over there, it is very boring. I don’t think there is any other country better than Jamaica right now to spend your Christmas. It’s more laid-back; but when you are here, you can feel the Christmas spirit and everything,” she shared.

Her message to those struggling to feel festive after Hurricane Melissa was simple: “Once you are alive, not in the hospital, and you can walk, don’t let anything dim yuh spirit. Enjoy your Christmas with family and friends.”

Another returning resident, who said he would be staying in St Catherine, explained that much of his family in Trelawny was affected by the hurricane. He arrived with several suitcases filled with clothes, shoes, and supplies, and said his main focus while on the island is to repair his mother’s home.

“Christmas is a time of fun. You celebrate with family and friends – eat, drink, and merry yuhself,” he said, before hurrying off to meet his ride.

Siblings Pam and Suki, arriving from Miami, Florida, also spoke warmly about returning home for the holidays. Pam, who has lived overseas for four decades, said she makes the trip annually.

“I enjoy Christmas here more than over there,” she said, citing time with family and friends as the highlight.

Her brother said the Jamaican Christmas experience is unique, as Jamaicans are known to have a lot of fun.

“They don’t have a lot of that in Florida. People come to your house and spend a little time. In Jamaica, we are here until late at night, go to parties, kill a lot of animals, and cook,” he said.

Although confined to a wheelchair after losing his toes, the 73-year-old said he would still be celebrating into the night.

“I’ll be sitting and rocking to the music,” he said.

Also returning was Jaden Wright, a 17-year-old Jamaican medical student studying in Cuba, who said the holiday was an opportunity to reconnect after months away from home.

“I haven’t seen my parents and sister in about four months, so I’m really looking forward to spending Christmas with them,” Wright said.

Although Hurricane Melissa caused devastation in sections of St Elizabeth, Wright said his family has begun to recover. His mother’s business lost its roof, but the damage has since been repaired.

“She was shaken up, because she had just recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl,” he said. “But everyone is in good spirits; we have life.”

First-time visitors Florencia Dellanno and Juan Del Roo, software professionals from Argentina, were also among those arriving for the holidays. Staying in Montego Bay, St James, the pair said Jamaica was an easy choice.

“Beach, relax, cocktails,” Dellanno said, when asked about her plans, with her friend nodding in agreement. Both expressed excitement about sampling local cuisine, including jerked chicken.

For Alliah Moore, a 19-year-old home health aide visiting from Connecticut, Christmas in Jamaica offers a freedom she misses in winter.

“Back home it’s snowing; you have to stay inside,” she said. “Here, you can party and spend time with family.”

Her sister, Amber Moore, travelling with her son Aiden, said returning home was important after missing the past two Christmases.

“Where I live, it’s cold and you’re stuck indoors,” she said. “But here, you can be everywhere, the beach, the river, just enjoying Christmas.”

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com