And Still I Rise

Last night I was lying on my bed and thinking of how Christmas has changed over the years.Some changes are subtle while others have been rather drastic.Anyway,here are a few things I miss and some notable changes to the celebrations.

Serenading or "singing out" as we called it.Growing up it was not uncommon to be sitting in your living room and hear carols being sung on the front porch.A peek outside would reveal a group of carollers-usually a church choir,youth club or service organisation doing their thing.sometimes,you sang along or just simply listened to the songs and the speechmaking which tended to be either serious or very hilarious.

Upon completion the carollers would receive a monetary donation from the household and/or some food and drink.As little childreen and early teens we would organise our own brand of serenading and turn up at our own homes and those of neighbours.It was all good fun but sadly the tradition has died out.

Midnight mass.It used to be that we would go to church at 11 pm and ring in Christmas Day at midnight.Then somebody decided to make a change probably because Christmas Eve was the night for the last bit of cleaning etc.So church service went to 5am on Christmas morning and finally to 7am.

I also miss the excitement that I felt as a child.I suppose it is a natural process as we grow up but still I would love to recapture the wonder of it all.Am talking about the thrill associated with getting presents,trying to figure out exactly what was bought for you and making it your business to seek out the likely hiding places.I know am not the only one who felt that the day would never come nor the only one who would wake up early on Christmas day and rush to open gifts.

Nowadays,the new phenomenon is the competition for the best lit communities and houses.It all started with a returning national putting thousands of lights on his house and gradually spread to others doing same.Soon it became a competition and the lighting of a huge tree in capital Kingstown.The lights are beautiful and I think its a wonderful addition to the season and no doubt Vinlec(the power company)feels the same way too.

Sunday shopping.I think this became a feature in probably the last 10 years or so.It coud be earlier but I really don't remember stores being open on Sundays on such a large scale.The argument still rages as to whether or not rank commercialism is defiling the day of worship.I can't say I have strong opinions either way but undoubtedly its business places way of capitalising on the increased activity.

Finally,the Carolling competition originally started by NBC radio and now privately run.Business houses,Govt depts,villages etc form their choirs and perform a traditional carol and an original song to the beat of any genre.It has become an integral part of the season and the park is guaranteed to be full when the contest is on.

Are there many changes in your part of the world?