TK remembers loved ones at Christmas

Although it's been sung, many times, many ways, Nat King Cole's 1961 classic The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You) speaks volumes to singer TK.

The former Jamaica Musical Theatre Company performer, whose given name is Tyeka Hayles, said the song brings her back to when she was younger.

"Although the experience of snow is not significant to our climate or culture, it doesn't matter. I listen to it and I immediately remember, as a child, my mother would play Nat King Cole, especially that classic song," said TK.

She said that getting into the Christmas spirit is easily ignited by carols and songs of the season, especially at this time when she is thinking of special people she has lost.

"My dad and my good friend Jason Cruickshank passed within a year apart and these are people who I shared good times with. My friend died in a hit-and-run; hit by a drunk driver, and I want persons who plan to celebrate by having more than a few drinks to be mindful of others. Alcohol makes people release stress, but also makes you tired and unaware, so have a designated driver if it is you can't manage," she warned.

Though disappointed at the way her friend died, TK told THE STAR, "Life is too short to be bitter. Moreover, we need the Christmas spirit all year round."

"As I say in my other new, original single, Life, I live my life no matter the circumstance it may bring, and this life has been the inspiration for my music. This holiday, I encourage people to live life, no matter how hard it gets, and find happiness in simple things," she said.