Jamaica is a better place at Christmas time - Gramps Morgan shares his love for the season

Gramps Morgan, of reggae roots band Morgan Heritage, did not celebrate Christmas as a child. This, however, was not because he is a Rastafarian but because his grandmother was a strict Adventist.

The son of the legendary entertainer Denroy Morgan, Gramps grew up between Brooklyn, New York and Springfield, Massachusetts in the United States.

"We always know what it was like during the Christmas holidays. We just didn't have Christmas trees and lights and all of those different things that you associate with Christmas," he shared.

"I never really celebrated Christmas as a child because of my grandmother. She was a Seventh-day Adventist. Then, growing up in a Rastafarian faith, once we started to study the divinity of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie, we truly understood the meaning of acknowledging this holiday. So, as an adult, it means so much more to me now as a father, teaching my children about the significance of this time of year," he shared.

When asked about the connection between Christmas and Rastafari, he explained, "Well, for me growing up, we always knew about the holidays of Christmas, and we studied His Imperial Majesty as he has always told us wherever the birth of Christ is celebrated in the world, even though in different cultures in different parts of the world, and celebrated at different times, we should celebrate the life of Christ," Gramps reasoned.

The Don't Haffi Dread lead singer said that, for him, Christmas is much more than a time to exchange presents and to sing carols.

"Christmas, to me, means giving, sharing and caring. It is very simple. It's not really about gifts, but about appreciating family, friends to share this time together and remember and reflect on the life of Christ," he said.

"Christmas reminds me to give. It's not really about the day for me but the season. I truly believe Jamaica is a better place when the spirit of Christmas and the season of the holidays are in, and, for that reason, I think it's very important for our country. His Imperial Majesty always said that no matter where in the world, celebrating the life of the Christ is very important, no matter what time of the year you celebrate it," he added.

He revealed that his most memorable Christmas was one marked by the receipt of a special gift.

"One of the most unforgettable moments during the holidays for me was when I got a sweater from my mother. It was the first time we were experiencing sharing presents as a family during the holidays," he said.

"The sweater had a special print on it. It was a burgundy sweater. I loved it until it washed out and started to get a lot of lint on it ... I believe I was around 10 years old when we were giving out and receiving presents from my parents," he recalled.

Unlike previous years when he would be on stage entertaining, Gramps will spend Christmas with his family this year. It is something to which he is looking forward.

"Thank God, many times in previous years I would have to perform or be travelling, so I'm grateful," he said.