THE EDITOR: December is here and the sun has once again completed its southward journey. The tilted angles from which the sun's rays now gently cover the Earth have ushered in the distinctive Christmas sunbeams which are unlike those of any other period in the past 11 months.
Driving throughout the country we see a different glow in the atmosphere. The leaves on the trees, the vegetation in the central plains and even the man-made buildings all reflect that distinctive golden yellow light.
As a little boy I basked in this atmosphere for years before figuring out what a remarkable impact it had on my psyche. I cannot invite you over for Christmas, but allow me to invite you to toast to the splendour of a beautiful tropical Christmas by simply sitting outside and allowing the splendid sun to soak through your spirit as the day slowly comes to an end, and let the cool December breeze swirl around you a bit. This is a true Trini Christmas experience.
The spiritual meaning of Christmas Day always held paramount significance in the community where I grew up, and I have no doubt that this year it will be the same. However, yesteryears were undoubtedly immensely filled with more joyous occasions than 2020 and this year.
Every year I look forward to the Christmas season as it heralds not only a change in perspective but also a change in how people feel.
In my more youthful days, I remember looking at local parang videos on television (channels 2 & 13 and 9 & 14). Traditional parang songs of the legendary Daisy Voisin and La Divina Pastora. Alegria! Alegria! Flores de San Jose - Si Yo Pudiera and many others.
Whether shopping in the malls, flea markets, or just simply driving around, you were greeted by the songs, Soca Santa (Machel Montano), Mamacita (Sharlene Boodram), Trini Christmas is the Best and We Come Out to Dance (Susan Maicoo), Spanish Confusion (Sharlene Flores).
There were also the soca parang classics from Baron, Scrunter, Crazy, Sprangalang and many others. And, of course, there is always Sparrow. We were not short of Christmas reggae either as I recall Silver Bells by Jacob Miller & Ray.
I cannot point to any favourites because we have never been short of talent and melody. Songs like Baron's Caminante and the unending list of Trinidadian/Tobagonian audio treats take you on musical journeys that reflect the sheer talent of our people.
There is so much to reminisce about, especially if we had the opportunity to chat and laugh with friends and family, but the pandemic has put a damper on such interactions.
The aesthetics of many Christmas villages spread throughout the country and the serenading by innumerable parang groups are missing this year. We were once able to visit the homes of our families, friends and relatives, even without invitation, and indulge in a wide variety of delicacies, drinks and desserts, as everyone with their particular preferences was catered for.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has hijacked our ability to upkeep traditions, be they changing curtain
