Donikue Campbell missing her Jamaican Christmas

In a faraway land, whether there are no signs of Christmas festivities, Jamaican Donikue Campbell wishes she was home for the holidays.

Campbell, who hails from Heartease, a community on the outskirts of Yallahs, St Thomas, has been living in China for almost a year.

"Where I am, there is not a single sign of Christmas. In other parts of China - usually where there are large numbers of tourists, like Shanghai or Beijing, Christmas trees and decorations are used by some businesses to attract customers. There are also some Christmas events. Where I am, however, there is no sign of Christmas. I can easily forget that it is Christmas being here,"she said.

A teacher of 12 years, Campbell told THE STAR she has considered brightening up her home with some Christmas decor.

"I'm not a fan of the Christmas tree, but I enjoy seeing Christmas lights. I'm a sucker for the lights. Sometimes I feel the desire to put up some Christmas lights or decorate the apartment; but I haven't yet done any of that," Campbell said.

She expressed how at this time of year, she would typically be fully immersed in the joyous traditions of the season, planning for Christmas dinner and bringing Christmas cheer.

"In previous years, I'd have been caught up in carols. I never miss The UWI Carol Service, that was a must for me. I adore Christmas carols, and I'd probably be organising something at church related to a Christmas play," Campbell said.

"I'd be doing so many things, ensuring I have my gungo peas, sorrel, and I'd likely be decorating a tree for my little cousin," she added.

However, living in China means Campbell lacks access to Jamaican foods and spices. But she has not given up on the possibility of some holiday cheer in the Far East. "Perhaps I will cook some gungo rice and peas and ask a farmer friend of mine to sell me a piece of sheep meat for curried mutton. I have not seen sorrel, so I shall be drinking lemonade. I will also play some Christmas carols. It looks like I will be having a lonely Christmas this year," Campbell said.

Yet, she finds solace in her lively family WhatsApp group, keeping her connected and feeling present despite the distance.

"It's a little unsettling [and] it can be a little depressing here, enuh, but thanks be to God, I have a very vibrant family WhatsApp group, and so I feel like I'm there a lot. Mi hear everything," Campbell said.

It is not the first time that Campbell will not be home for Christmas. She has spent the jolly holiday in the United States and The Bahamas.

"Christmas in The Bahamas felt a lot like my Jamaican Christmas because I spent a significant time at church, singing carols and enjoying that atmosphere, very much like in Jamaica -- the music, the decorations," Campbell reflected.

"The only difference was the food, and the parties were a bit more low-key where I was. Not as many parties or sorrel like back home, but their version of Christmas had its own vibrancy," she added.

Nonetheless, for Campbell, nothing compares to the warmth of her Jamaican Christmas.

"Jamaica has the best Christmas, hands down," she affirmed, highlighting that what truly makes Christmas special for her is the presence of family and active participation in the festive traditions.