Christmas in Trinidad by Brenda Mohammed
Christmas is a very special time in Trinidad and Tobago.
elaborately lighted for this special occasion. This is the time that many people buy new electrical appliances and furniture. Many homes are enhanced with Christmas trees and other decorations in the weeks leading to Christmas Day.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, companies and families hold many parties. Festive activities include exchanging presents and singing Christmas songs.
Most families go to church on Christmas Day and then spend the rest of the day at home with friends and family members. The traditional Trinidadian Christmas meal includes Spanish rice, ham, turkey, chicken, homemade bread, pastelles (a version of tamales) local wine, sorrel, ponche-de-creme (a version of eggnog) and ginger beer.
The television and radio stations play Christmas carols and songs as well as traditional and contemporary carols from the USA. A special Trinidadian music, Parang, is also played. Parang is an upbeat Venezuela-Trinidad hybrid.
Trinidadian Christmas fruitcake is traditional and is eaten in most homes. The fruits (such as raisins and sultanas) in the cake are usually soaked in cherry wine, sherry and rum for several months before Christmas! It is fabulous and something I love even better than chocolate. People of all religions make elaborate preparations. They paint, make repairs to their houses, hang new curtains and decorations (especially lights) for Christmas. It is a marvellous sight to drive around the island and see houses
Christmas Day is a public holiday. It’s a special day when children and grownups get presents from family, friends and Santa Claus, or Father Christmas. Christmas cards are also given or sent out prior to Christmas Day. - 20 -
