Screams of laughter greeted the Jamaica Observer as the newspaper’s representatives walked into the yard of Valda Abrahams — the woman who has become mother of all in Time and Patience, St Catherine.

The Boxing Day treat was nothing short of what was promised, as minors from toddlers to teenagers and the young at heart were out in their numbers celebrating the holidays. With teeth clattering, the children gallivanted in the pool, while others attained extraordinary heights in the bounce about.

Small tokens under the decorated Christmas tree brought Christmas cheer to the little hearts as they anticipated the gifts that were in store for them. In its 27 years of existence the treat again surpassed Abraham’s expectation as the children started arriving from as early as 10 yesterday morning though she admitted that she usually started at 12 in previous years.

“I see so many faces that I’ve never seen before and they came so early I had to send back some. They are really having a good time,” Abrahams told the the Sunday Observer.

In fact she said the children were so eager that they entered the pool in their slippers which she had to empty the pool and refill earlier in the day.

Asked what else she had in store for the children, the 81-year-old stated that the children would be fed a wholesome meal before being treated to snacks, cake and ice cream.

Abrahams was grateful for the volunteers who helped her in the preparation of the meal.

“This woman is special. If she nuh tell you she a sick woman you wouldn’t know enuh but she’s a sick woman so we have to just help her out,” Adassa Steele, who volunteers her cooking skill annually said of Abrahams.

Abrahams — a lover of children —said she has been enjoying the day with the children so far and hopes to continue. “They are all enjoying themselves,” one parent said as he supervised the trembling children in the pool.