‘Tis the season to be jolly, and like most countries, Jamaica enjoys the Christmas season. Every Jamaican, whether ‘yaad’ or abroad knows that this time of year, there are always those unique, but necessary things that must be done to make it an authentic ‘Jamaican Chrismus’.

But, if you don’t partake, that doesn’t make you any less of a yaadie. However, for those who live for the season, here are eight traditions Jamaicans observe at this time.

1. Acknowledging the ‘Chrismus breeze’

Many can say that Christmas in Jamaica begins when the cool “Chrismus breeze” starts to fill the country around early December. And then the festivities begin! We haven’t gotten much of it this year, but hopefully, customs ‘clears’ the breeze before Christmas day.

2. Christmas clean-up

As Jamaicans, we naturally love to clean. Nuh dirt to wi ting. But, when it comes on to Christmas, every crevice and corner is spotless. Every cobweb, every corner get dust and wipe. This usually happens during Christmas week, with the main aim of getting rid of all the unnecessary possessions gathered throughout the year. In this instance too, new furniture may be purchased.

3. Receive barrel from ‘farin’

One thing to look forward to during Christmas is receiving barrel from ‘farin’. The ritual of sending and receiving foreign items from abroad is often linked to Christmas or Easter. Sometimes we know what is sent before we even see the barrel. The barrels may contain food items, clothes such as sneakers, shirts or other hand-me-downs and not to forget, the Irish Spring soaps. And families gather around the barrel to see who gets what and if the family abroad sent any ‘ole bruk’.

4. Soak sorrel weeks before Christmas Day

No Christmas in Jamaica is complete without sorrel. Whether we love it or not, some may say it isn’t Christmas until the sorrel starts soaking. The basic ingredients include sorrel, ginger, sugar, spices and maybe a likkle rum. And we haffi beat we chest after taking a sip and say, “aaaah, it ginga”. Have a glass of sorrel with a slice of delicious fruitcake.

5. Grand Market

The longstanding tradition of Grand Market or ‘Gran Market’ is one of the most anticipated days during the Christmas season, especially for children. Gran market, which is typically held on Christmas Eve, sees vendors lining up to keep shoppers entertained throughout the night into Christmas morning. Some even say the best Gran Market can be found in Linstead, St Catherine.

6. Junkanoo

Is it really a Jamaican Christmas without the traditional masquerade party? John Canoe or Junkanoo came to Jamaica when enslaved Africans brought their religious, ceremonial and festival traditions. The practice involves people dressing up in masks and multi-coloured costumes while dancing to music and parading the streets. Today, this is mostly confined to rural areas.

7. Ackee and saltfish for breakfast

The Jamaican national dish of ackee and saltfish typically starts off Christmas mornings on the island. For most households, it is usually paired with fried or roasted breadfruit, yam, sweet potato and banana. Some families do not even cook breakfast. You just have to bare the hunger till the ham is done.

8. Jamaica Christmas music

Jamaican Christmas songs are a staple during the season. Here you’ll find songs such as Mek di Chrismus ketch you in a good mood, Santa Claus (Do You Ever Come to the Ghetto), Christmas in the Sun, Feliz Navida, Christmas Breeze a Blow among others. Some even sneak in a Vybz Kartel and Sheba song in there. And, even though she is not Jamaican, no Christmas is complete without a rendition of Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas.