Family keeps Christmas tree lighting tradition bright

When young Nickaylia Angus turned one, her parents Nico Angus and Tajae Brown started a tradition of taking her to St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston to see the tree lighting ceremony.

After being thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic two years in a row, the trio returned last night to continue where they left off.

While taking in the wonderful visual display, Brown told THE STAR, "She turned four yesterday. So today I took her to see the tree lighting, her first birthday she was here to see it also so I just continuing."

At 8:21 last night, the nearly 30-foot tree lit up with bright white lights. Mere moments later the sky was also illuminated with a five-minute fireworks display. Under the glow of red, yellow and green explosions, the crowd 'oohed' and 'aahed'. The small family was among many enjoying the festivities of the Christmas season. Like many others, Angus and Brown took the chance to get pictures and videos of their daughter in front of the tree.

Though a man of few words, Angus shared his love of Christmas lights, and how his daughter helped inspire them to start their tradition.

"Mi love mi daughter. A mi first one, so me affi love har and I always love Christmas lighting," he said snapping away on his phone.

Expanding on Angus' answer, Brown said, "Is family thing so we are here as a family. We are always together so this is normal. We always celebrate it (Christmas). We even have we own Christmas tree and pepper lights."

Though Brown will be working on Christmas this year, she said Nickaylia's day will still be filled with family and food.

"Sadly, I will be at work, but my mom and his (Angus') mom will be cooking for us," she said.