Christmas is the season for giving and receiving. For many Jamaicans in the diaspora that means sending gifts to their loved ones back home, often in a barrel. Observer Online took to the streets to ask what the typical Jamaican would want in their Christmas barrel.

Most people agreed on the typical barrel staples like nonperishables (rice and flour), furnishings (sheets and curtains), tinned food and clothes.

But one response remained common among most people and that was “Money, money, money!”

For those sending a barrel this Christmas here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Secure liquids: if you are sending any liquid product make sure to secure the cover with tape.
2. Remove tags for clothes: while it may be impressive to send new clothes with the tags, especially if it is designer, you should avoid doing so if you don’t want to attract extra customs fee.
3. Do not pack any perishable items: items like meat, fruits and bread are examples of items not to send to loved ones.
4. Do not pack any explosives: items like lighter fluid, matches and batteries are ones to exclude when packing.
5. Do not pack money: it may be a great gift for your loved ones but it is not recommended that you send this in your Christmas barrel. There is a high chance of it not ending up in the hands of who it is intended for.