GOSPEL SINGER JABEZ MISSES GRAND MARKET IN LINSTEAD
Although he wasn’t showered with gifts like many other children when he was growing up, Jabez said Christmas has always had a special place in his heart.
“In my community, we were some of the poor set of kids,” Jabez told THE STAR.
“When the kids had their toys, I used to go and look, and I felt so left out,” he said.
Still his memories are fond and full of love. This is especially because the food was good.
“From grandma’s house to aunty house, and back to mama’s house, Christmas was one of the best times of the year for me,” he laughed.
“Sorrel and cake and pudding a warm! ... All grand market!” he exclaimed.
According to Jabez, Linstead, St Catherine, hosted the best grand market in his experience, but the event has been marred by the haphazard distribution of men who jerk meat in the area.
“It’s more like a pollution now. They need to designate areas for them,” he said.
“When I was a child, it was one of the best grand markets in the history of markets!”
“I used to do carolling at school, my song was O Holy Night,” he told THE STAR, immediately breaking out into song over the phone.
“I love that song. Every year I used to do that, I would look forward to singing that song,” he continued.
Another source of enjoyable reminiscence comes from the reunion of family during the season.
“Some old aunts and uncles that you don’t see all year ... it’s a good time for family,” Jabez said.
Today, the Christmas season celebration sees the airwaves being permeated with the many Christmas carols. From as early as October, the songs are added to the playlists.
Going to the malls, walking on the street, carols blast from sound boxes, heightening the anticipation that the ‘big day’ will soon be upon us.
Today’s generation only interaction with the songs of Christmas comes from radio, singing them in church or checking them out on YouTube.
But unless ‘old time something come back again’, they will never get a piece of what it felt like to be ensconced in the sheet, lying in bed, and hearing the distant sound of voices coming down the street. As they approach closer, you realise the kind of treat you will be receiving.
There is a certain kind of excitement as the melodious voices gather. All this pleasure unfolds two days before Christmas in the early hours of the morning, the biting cold is even more reason for the group wrapped in white sheets, candle in hand to huddle together as they go carolling from one house to the other.
O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, While Shepherd Watched, one carol after another, take them from door to door - pausing for as long as it takes to complete a song. And, yes, sometimes the group gets lucky, the light flickers on and a door is opened ... Heartfelt thanks followed by a contribution, and then it’s on to the next house.
Oh that this generation could enjoy the sweet feeling of taking in that kind of treat.
Maybe it’s still taking place someplace in Jamaica, but, from my side of the woods, it’s just nostalgia and a longing for the good old days.