From the Windowseat

As I write this the view outside my window is not of a mango tree, but rather of millions of swirling snowflakes — the window seat is far away…for Christmas I made a surprise journey back home.

Less than a week before Christmas I made a quick decision that the holidays are meant for family and — because I am Canadian – they are also meant for snow, skiing, sweaters, hot chocolate, quilts, candles, and actual Christmas trees (i.e.: not decorated tropical plants). So, after 28 hours of traveling I arrived at my parents’ home…much to the surprise of my mother, father, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins — Christmas 2009 has been filled with ‘Hallmark moments’.

That said, it has also been filled with Canadian/Jamaican cultural clash moments. Observances include:

• Driving through town and never once hearing a car honk its horn.
• The wonders of consistent water pressure.
• The ability to go for a run in the afternoon.
• Walking through town and never having someone say hello.
• Being inside and not hearing anything from the outside (i.e.: the effect of having windows that close and walls with insulation).
• Walking through a huge grocery store (which probably isn’t actually that huge by Canadian standards…) yet not being able to find saltfish or soursop juice or spice cake or plantains or…
• Spending an hour or a day or a week without staging an epic battle against ants.

…As always traveling changes you and makes you recognize things in slightly different ways. Seemingly small and simple things are pronounced. I wonder what will become pronounced when I return to Kingston?

Have a fabulous new year.

I realize that most of my posts have been of the more esoteric, musing version; however, today I thought I would write a more direct piece — a more ‘day-in-the-life’ type, a good day-in-the-life, but still a day.

This afternoon was the Christmas Party at Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU). Music, food, singing, food, laughter, food, gifts…

I claim a little bit of responsibility for this. Two weeks ago I had mentioned that we should have a Secret Santa gift exchange — I was promptly informed that it is called “Pixie” in Jamaican. That said, the idea was agreed upon…a slightly twisted take on Secret Santa that I originally learned from my roommates in Wales. Everyone submits their most desired Christmas wish and your match has to somehow fulfil it. Big, small, concrete, conceptual it doesn’t matter. The price limit was $1000 (about $12). This, therefore, generally demands some serious creativity. So, people agreed, I was appointed ‘organizer’ (of course!), and for the past few days there has been lots and lots of whispered conspiracies around the office

And some examples from today: One staff member wished for financial stability for the office, she was commended on her thoughtfulness and was rewarded with a hand-drawn gift certificate for what ever she would like, to be redeemed this week; another wished for a brand-new 2010 Camry and received a toy car; my match wanted chocolate, of course I baked. My counterpart wished for the perfect husband — she was put through a mock wedding with the men of the office. I wished for a day of snow. My office was decorated by ‘elves’ in the morning (green snow spray, cut-out snowflakes, garlands, etc.) and I also received a home-made CD of Jamaican Christmas music (I was touched, very touched).

Around this all we ate (rice and peas, chicken, baked  bananas, potato salad, spiced beef), drank (sorrel ginger juice), laughed (the bride and groom had to remain ‘married’ throughout the party), ate again (chocolate rum cake and shortbread cookies). And then, of course, the singing began. Our Executive Director has a beautiful voice and the rest of our small office also sings with joy. The very first song sung was “the Little Drummer Boy” — this was also the favourite Christmas song of my students on Ujae Life really does come around.

It was an afternoon of sharing and laughter. I needed an afternoon like that. I think we all do. I hope you all experience it sometime this holiday season (and throughout the rest of the year).

Seasons greetings.