Gosel 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.