We all know that Christmas is a season and while I acknowledge it as such, for me, Christmas is really the day before Christmas. Christmas Eve. Growing up it was where all the action and excitement was, and today, I still maintain some of the rituals and traditions. What about you? When is Christmas for you and what are the things that signal that it is Christmas?
The hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve is special, its energy and noise are different, and it is particular to each home – the songs being played in the background, the aromas, the busyness of bodies, the mingling of voices, tasks and rituals that mark Christmas. In our home, the buildup was to the climax of the midnight mass and nativity pageant at Sacred Heart Church. Church and theater! And then, the lime at home after midnight mass feasting on Cook-up Rice and Pepperpot; sorrel drink and cake.