Over the past few weeks, we've been on a virtual tour of some parts of the world to compare the ways in which Christmas is celebrated. Well, its December 25-Christmas Day in sweet T&T. By now you are probably back home from church, and having your fill of hops and ham, laced with chow chow and pepper sauce, with a piping hot cup of coco tea, or glass of briskly cold sorrel or ginger beer waiting to wash it down. Your children, not unlike my two- year-old son, have already discarded the toys you spent time and money to get them. But their reaction when you gave it to them was worth every second and penny. The aroma of black cake, pastelles, and lunch in the making, mingles with the scent of fresh paint, polish, new curtains and furniture. Yes, you are "tired like hell" after all the preparations leading up to this day.
But looking around at the house you stayed up till the wee hours of this morning to "put away," you have to admit you wouldn't have it any other way. Some of you may be cleaning up the remnants of a trail left by an amateaur "parang side" that turned up on your door step last night. And who knows, the group may still be sitting around your breakfast table filling their faces before they hit another house. In addition to spreading the Christmas cheer, they are on a "bar bussing" mission-something that is near impossible here at this time of the year. The launch of the parang season in September, signals the start of Christmas in this beautiful tropical twin island. Parang is the official music of the yuletide season here, and over the years, many equally as enjoyable variations have evolved from the traditional form.
The music is infectious, and incorporates rhythms and instruments from the many different cultures that exists here in T&T. And no Christmas function-from cocktail, to children's treat, to pork dance-is complete without the sweet sound of parang music, live or recorded. The Christmas season here begins and ends with a mad shopping rush-from curtains to straight pins-Trinbagonians find the money to ensure their homes are in tip-top shape for the season. And even if it is just a Hershey's Kiss, everyone in the family has to get a gift. And although there is no snow or a single chimney here, Santa doesn't miss a Trini Christmas. He can be spotted tirelessly roaming the islands perched on the back of a pick-up van, a fire truck, donkey cart, or a motorcycle, spreading yuletide joy to both children and adults alike.
No wonder he was forced to beg me for "some grapes" as I was walking along Independence Square in Port- of-Spain a few days ago. The poor overworked man needed to rebuild his strength. But amid the din and chaos of parang, shopping, Christmas functions, and fun, here in T&T the meaning of Christmas is never lost. Throughout the land people of all religious denominations, in their own way, show respect for and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The value of family and friends is amplified, and, if only for the season, love becomes almost tangible. I'm not being biased, and this is not jet lag talking. Based on all the data we've collected, I'm sure you agree that "Trini Christmas is de bess." Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year everyone.