Christmas Ah Yaad sounds wonderful JJ. I spent one Christmas there in Grange Hill and yes it was wonderful but just not the same for me. Even though my Son was with me and we had a wonderful time I just missed the Tree, the cold, and mostly my Family (even though they can be a hand full). I said then I would never spend Christmas there again unless the day come where they all can come with me. LOL
I used to do the hustle a bustle shopping thing but I stopped that several years ago when God taught me a valuable lesson and showed me what life was really about whether that be Christmas time or mid summer. My thoughts now are much like Jamaicans in that it's about loved one's, plenty food to share, laughter to share, Love to spread, and a Merry Christmas or a Wonderful Day to all. I'm now grateful for the life I have and all that "HE" has provided me. I'm finally content in life whether I'm broke or have a likkle to spend. Now my grandbabies always get something and I do stress about that a weee bit as I want to know what they want so I can get it. I wish I hadn't wasted so many years searching for what I already had but I guess that is what we do a lot of the time.
I would love to bring my Sister to Jamaica the day after Christmas to bring in the NY and just let her hair down. Have to knock her out to get her on the plane though. LOL