Merry Christmas From Us Here In Barbados

My mind was cast back to long ago

Early childhood and the Christmases I used to know

Rudolph never came this side of the world

Reindeer never brought Santa to any boy or girl

Yule tide still was unusual cause we

Celebrated it with the spirit of community

Had no Community Councils then but everyone would organize

Repairs to the houses, fixer-ups and sanitize

Inside out ‘til the places looked like new

Snow never fell here but Snow on the Mountains grew

They used to paint the house and white wash the guard wall

Make Christmas Trees from mile trees, six feet tall

Angel hair itched and we used egg shells to dress the trees

Some people thread their lights packed like pigeon peas

Furniture and floors sanded and varnished and linoleum spread

Red and green garland hung from the rafters overhead

Outside the pathways had rocks, shells and sand from the beach

More twinkling lights trimmed the house where ever we could reach

Until late, four day morning the ladies would bake

Spicy pork, Turkey. Ham, Pudding and great cake

Hours were spent wrapping gifts through the night

Every room dazzled although our Christmases aren’t white

Rum punch was made at home but I never understood why

Everyone opted for non-alcoholic Falurnum except a few stopping by

Ice cold sorrel or fruit punch were generally

Number one choice drink for mixed company

By 5am we all went to church service

And carols were bellowed out, not one we would miss

Right afterwards we went over to Queen’s Park

Bright colored dresses all around and men’s suits were dark

After that at lunch we would go visit some friends

Didn’t stop eating Jug Jug or scraping up some ends

Our Christmases are good but we wish you were here

Seasons Greeting to all and have a Happy New Year!