There was an electricity in the air as shoppers tried to stock up on their groceries and conduct their last minute shopping for the Christmas holiday, and then for the last day of the old year. Everywhere there was the 'hunt' for that bargain or the frenzy of getting the best ham or grog. The roads were jammed, it was impossible to enter the grocery stores due to mass overcrowding, and restaurants were busy servicing office parties and friends who just wanted to spend quality (if price qualifies this) time together. Everywhere, there is an excitement and frenzy. But even as the holiday comes to a crescendo, many people particularly the older ones take time off to reminisce on Christmases past. More than likely, if asked, they will answer that the Christmases today could 'never touch' those that went by. More than likely one may ask, what made those Christmases so memorable? It certainly was not the vast sums of money that is circulating (or not circulating) in the economy as some may claim. Perhaps what emerges is the simplicity of the holidays prior to the 1990s. Prior to the 1990s and the 'new boom,' what one really experienced in Trinidad and Tobago was a simplicity in celebrating these holidays. Indeed, while today children could ask and expect expensive presents, this certainly was not an expectation of most of the children who were born during the 1960s and 1970s or even earlier.
Indeed, the toys at that time consisted mainly of the doll (with or without hair or with or without a dress depending on the price), toy guns (mainly water guns or cap guns) and some doll sets (mainly tea sets). Essentially, the choice was extremely simplified for the customer. Children, however, looked forward to Christmas since this was the only time that these toys were on display. During the year children played morals, skipping (usually this was a piece of rope) or hoop or pitched marbles. This was the era of really 'critical thinking' in which children were inventive and engaged in creative activities. They built doll houses out of old, discarded wood or card board boxes, they created cars and trucks out of bobbin, they made scooters out of old boxes and because these were their own creations they certainly could not be reprimanded for being destructive. It was the time of creativity and at the same time the time for recycling as well. Little was wasted since no one at the time could afford to waste. During this period, it was unheard of for children to say that they were 'bored.' In between their chores, tying out the goats, seeing about the chickens, helping in the garden or cleaning, it was imperative that they perform well in school.
With the approach of Christmas, every little face lighted. While it was true that there was the grim thought of a 'test,' what stood out was those who did well (in the top three) were rewarded by the teacher with a little gift. Children strove hard in those days to get within the top three positions-it was truly a time for celebration. The grade system was unheard of and gaining top marks was a priority.
And then, there was the concert-singing, dancing, singing Christmas songs and a "treat" to go with it. Children were asked to come with their party dresses and best outfits; they brought along their little sisters and brothers and were asked to walk with their cups for homemade ice-cream. More than likely, at that time, each child was asked to walk with something-whether it was popcorn, cake, or even fudge.
Soft drinks, KFC and Chinese were certainly never on the menu and certainly not missed. The love that went into making the treat and the dedication of those teachers who planned and orchestrated the activity amounted to a labour of love. Very little was wasted. Indeed, in retrospect, too, one could not remember one 'fat' child and obesity was a term that was never used. People were hardly fat in those days and could not afford to be fat. Obesity became a problem with development as most developed countries can attest. At home, the excitement at Christmas was also very prevalent. There were no Standards or Courts or American Stores-or if some of them existed it was to service those who were considered 'rich.' Rather, it was common to see people putting out their Morris chairs, sandpapering them and varnishing them. Throughout the holidays was the smell of clean varnish in the air. Rooms were scrubbed from the top to bottom, the yard was clean and mothers sat up all night to sew the Christmas curtains that went up on the eve of Christmas. Children were usually banned from the living room which stood pristine, clean, and smelling of varnish.
On the eve of Christmas there was, of course, all the goodies-the black cake, the ham, the sorrel and the ginger beer. The cake took a long time; to cream the butter and sugar by hand was a chore that was passed from hand to hand but at the end, there was an opportunity to 'lick' the pan. When it went into the little tin oven one could expect the cake to either 'bust' or come out well. Either which way, it was a treat. The ham was one that was cured-no MAC Food or Erin Food Ham. When placed in a clean pitch-oil tin and placed over the wood fire, it seemed to take such a long time to boil. After changing the water about five times, it was time to eat. Homemade bread and ham on Christmas day was something to savour. And the old yard cock, a menace that was tolerated, became the crowning glory of the Christmas table.
In the villages there was much visiting among neighbours on Christmas day-the door of houses stood open and one by one neighbours came and went. There was laughter and then the parang groups or the carolers came, and every one was so very, very happy. Perhaps it was the small bit of rum that went into the rum punch. There was even a moratorium of the flogging of children. It was a way in which people re-affirmed their sense of community as villagers; it was powerful bond that survived even migration to the towns. Those days are apparently gone, but it is nice to remember them because it provides a vision of what we once were. Sadly, development means that these Christmases will never return. Have a happy and blessed holiday.