Tree Time

Upper Strings Family

Being away from family and home on Christmas Day provides me with time and space to reflect on the spirit of the holyday. Where is home? Who is family?  What are traditions?

The one constant of the season here is the ubiquitous Christmas tree.  Kids love to decorate it. Oldsters enjoy sharing songs and stories around it.  And, everyone gets their picture taken next to it.

Gene leads Calypso Caroling

Decorating Committee Kids

In the West Indies, gone is the the traditional Christmas card. Brightly colored jpg texts featuring hallmark sentiments  begin pinging at dawn. Carols set to Calypso grooves replace English hymns in the supermarket and the club.  Instead of firecrackers,  homemade, kerosene bamboo cannons burst the night.

Instant families of ex-pats congregate wherever is convenient (under trees in hotels and shopping malls!) to remember the season and celebrate new traditions.  We like what we know, but being abroad for the holidays gives one an opportunity to know what we like.