This week brought news that the century-old tradition of Christmas morning in Queen’s Park, which many Bajans look forward to, is on this year. Last week, we also learned that the curfew will be lifted on December 24, Christmas Eve, allowing worshippers to attend Midnight Mas’ and 5 a.m. Christmas morning service.Days after that announcement, Government met with the entertainment sector and agreed to lift the ban to allow parties and fetes to be staged under strict COVID-19 protocols.So while the Delta variant has caused our numbers to soar in recent times, and with eyes on the Omicron variant which is causing havoc worldwide, Bajans still feel the need to hold dear to many of their Christmas traditions. At least Government’s concessions suggest they do.For the Christian-minded, Christmastime must include a time for worship and acknowledging the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. For others, Christmastime must include drinking “a rum and a punch a crema”, liming or partying all night long. Then there are some who do a mixture of both.Other Bajan Christmas traditions include sprucing up homes, buying new furniture, curtains and décor, buying food and drink, socialising, buying gifts, spending time with family and friends, and beautifying ourselves, whether it be a hair-do or new attire.
