Christmas in 5 ... with Nekeisha Burchell

For Nekeisha Burchell, deputy general secretary of the People's National Party and caretaker for the South St James constituency, Christmas is more than just a holiday.

It's a season filled with cherished memories, heartfelt traditions, and opportunities to spread joy. Whether it's reminiscing about her childhood in St James, singing carols with her Uncle Newly, or experiencing the bustling excitement of Grand Market, Burchell's love for Christmas runs deep.

1 . What is your favourite Christmas memory?

"My favourite Christmas memories revolve around two cherished traditions. The first is waking up early on Christmas morning - sometimes as early as 5 a.m. - to join my Uncle Newly in his red Datsun pickup. He would gather all the children, including my cousins and me, and drive through the community of Garlands in St James, singing Christmas carols. We'd wake up the neighbourhood with our excitement and joy, spreading the magic of the season.

The second memory is Grand Market in Montego Bay. Uncle Newly would load up the entire family - children, aunts, uncles, and even my great-grandparents - into one of his Faith Line buses. Whether it was the big Tata bus, the Encarva, or later the Coaster bus, these country buses were part of the adventure. He'd take us into town, where the streets were alive with lights, music, and excitement. We'd get a little money to buy our favourite meals, play games, and meet friends. The traffic was terrible, but as kids, we didn't care - it was all part of the magic."

2 . How do you celebrate Christmas, and are there any special traditions you observe?

"With most of my immediate family now living overseas, I don't get to celebrate Christmas the way we used to. Over the past few years, I've spent much of the holiday resting and reflecting. However, I'm now working to create new traditions that blend my childhood memories with my current role as MP caretaker for South St James.

This Christmas, I plan to pick up where my Uncle Newly left off by spreading joy throughout the constituency. Starting early in the morning, I'll be visiting communities with an ice cream truck, delivering treats like ice cream, cake, popcorn, and snow cones, all while playing Christmas carols to bring the festive spirit alive."

3 . How do you keep the spirit of Christmas alive for yourself and loved ones?

"I make Christmas fun for the younger members of my family by ensuring they get gifts and decorating our homes with festive trees and embellishments. Food is a big part of our celebrations - Christmas cake is a must, and my mother's eggnog is a cherished tradition.

We keep the spirit alive with Christmas music, festive clothing like Santa hats and elf ears, and plenty of laughter. Even our playful arguments add to the joy, as we always make up with more love. Christmas is all about sharing traditions, creating memories, and spreading joy."

4 . What's the most meaningful gift you've ever given or received, and why does it stand out?

"The most meaningful gift I've ever received was a handwritten letter from my mother. In it, she expressed her hopes for me and her love, and those words remain priceless to me.

The most meaningful gift I've ever given was one Christmas when, after preparing our meal, my family plated it and delivered portions to neighbours in need. At the time, as a child, I didn't fully understand what my parents were teaching us about kindness and giving back. I even felt a bit salty about sharing what felt like "our best" with others. But looking back, I now realise how important that lesson was - learning to look out for others who needed help more than we did. That experience stays with me even today, and it has shaped how I approach giving during the holidays and beyond."

5 . What does the phrase 'Christmas is about giving' mean to you, and how do you incorporate that into your celebrations?

"To me, the phrase means that if everyone focuses on giving, then everyone will, in turn, receive. It's almost logical - when we all give, we all benefit. And while receiving brings joy, there's a deeper satisfaction in giving.

Incorporating this into my celebrations goes beyond material gifts. Giving can mean offering your time, effort, or love. This Christmas, for instance, I hosted eight Christmas treats across South St James. Beyond the toys, food, and music we shared, the most valuable gift we gave was our time and attention. It was about letting the people in these communities know that they are seen, heard, and cherished. That's the essence of giving to me - spreading love and making others feel valued."