The Christmas season is one of expectancy among the large Trinidadian/Tobagonian and Caribbean populations in various parts of the US, with the Christmas spirit taking hold throughout their communities. And even during these difficult economic times, Trinis are looking forward to the holidays.
It is hard not to have a feeling of excitement given all the decorations and preparations being made to end the year among the Trinis settled in New York City.
With Christmas having its own special aura, even non-believers are caught up in the preparations. There are elaborate and colourful decorations glittering in stores, offices, churches, on the streets and trees in the Trini communities in New York. Those impressively decorated and well lit Christmas trees dazzle the eyes, putting one in the mood for the holidays, as do the carols, the hustle and bustle on the streets, and the vast array of toys and other gifts associated with Christmas. And one can sense the excitement among the children whose faces are brimming with expectations for their favourite items.
A visit to Liberty Avenue sees shops crowded with shoppers. People seem in a jovial mood, though some look very stressed by hustle to get things in place by Christmas Day. The commercial districts on Liberty, Flatbush, Jamaica, Cypress, and Westchester Avenues have been teeming with shoppers in recent days, particularly last weekend, the final one before the holiday. Huge numbers of multi-coloured lights and other paraphernalia are on display in front of stores, brightening them as the evening turns to night.
The brightly coloured lights, trimmings and other decorations everywhere are reminiscent of shopping in Trinidad during the season. Appropriate Christmas music at full blast emanates from many of the stores, something missing from many mainstream American stores. The aromatic smell of Christmas dishes wafts through the air from the restaurants and bakeries. And the bars are doing brisk business as usual, in spite of a slow economy. But unlike in the past, I did not seen any of the masquerade bands this year on Flatbush during my visit last weekend. Singh's and the other roti shops in Richmond Hill are packed with patrons.
One can also feel the Christmas spirit in residential streets as well. Homes are well lit on the outside and decorated with Christmas paraphernalia of all shapes, designs, sizes and colours, with lights flickering around homes and on trees. It is as if the houses engage in an unofficial competition for the best decorated title. Like in Trinidad, the Christmas holiday spirit transcends religion. Christmas lights blink near fluttering jhandis and lighted crescents as Hindus and Muslims are also caught up in the Christmas spirit, showing respect for celebrants of other faiths.
However, businesses are not as extravagant in their spending as in previous years, given the economy. Yet the Trinidadian-run Hindu Senior Citizens Center held its luncheon last weekend and there was a separate luncheon for seniors nearby. Although people are having an enjoyable time during the season, Christmas in New York is not the same as being in Trinidad. Many wish to celebrate Christmas "at home" and some have already departed for the yearly pilgrimage to their homeland and others look forward for this journey in the coming days. Caribbean Airlines, American and Continental are "sold out," unable to accommodate many Trinis who want to go home for Christmas.
As we are caught up with the festivities, we should use the occasion to lift our spirituality and to give to others in need. This is the essence of the season.
Merry Christmas all!
Vishnu Bisram
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