Christmas is here and of course, Jamaicans everywhere are gearing up to have a grand time this festive season. It’s not just about dinners and decorations; it’s about reviving age-old traditions that make Christmas the highlight of the year. Whether you’re steeped in these traditions or just dipping your toes in Jamaican Christmas customs, here are 12 must-do activities to get into the holiday spirit, Jamaican style.

1. The Market Run

This is where the Christmas magic begins. By now, most folks have made several trips, snagging essentials like pimento, sorrel, and gungo peas. These items disappear in a snap, so a head start is crucial for those holiday preparations.

2. Soak Sorrel in Rum

In Jamaica, rum and Christmas are like lightning and thunder – you can’t have one without the other. As such, a true Jamaican sorrel must pack a rum punch, literally! While some start soaking their sorrel in mid-November, the die-hards have it steeping from the previous year, making for a potent brew come Christmas Day.  That said, a moment of silence to all women with child or anyone who can’t consume alcohol during this season. 

3. Soaking Dried Fruits in Rum for Christmas Cake

It’s all about that deep, rich flavour, and rum is the secret. This key step, done weeks or months in advance, ensures that your Christmas cake is nothing short of legendary.

4. Baking Christmas Cakes for Company

Hosting over the holidays? You’ll likely be baking a two to three cakes, including a non-alcoholic version for kids and those with dietary restrictions, alongside the rum-infused showstopper for Christmas Day.

5. Securing and Shelling Gungo Peas

A true family affair, shelling peas turns into a time for stories and bonding. And trust me, if you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner, you’ll want to start this task early!

6. Buy Christmas Gifts

It’s all about spreading joy and love with thoughtful gifts, a cherished tradition in Jamaican culture.

7. Decorate the House

While live trees might be rare, Jamaicans go all out with pepper lights and Christmas balls in classic red, green, and blue. But, mindful of the electricity bill, these lights often sparkle just on Christmas Eve and Day.

8. Deep Clean, New Furniture, and Curtains

Come Christmas, every Jamaican home is spotless, decked with new furniture, curtains and a fresh coat of paint. It’s about ushering in the New Year with a fresh, clean slate.

9. Tek Wash Out/Dieting

Now, not everybody does this, but we all know a few people who take a whole cleanse a few days before Christmas. It’s usually that cousin or friend who just flew the nest.  You’ll catch a glimpse of them on Christmas Day before they’re off to another family gathering.

10. Go To Church

The spiritual heart of Christmas is not forgotten. Even those who haven’t been to church all year find themselves attending a service or two, soaking in the blessings of the season.

11. Pick Up People Flying In for the Holiday

The buzz of welcoming family and friends flying in for Christmas adds a special warmth to the festivities.

12. Volunteer for Community Service or Donate to Charity

More philanthropic Jamaicans often see the season as an opportunity to give back to the communities and to those less fortunate. Whether it’s through donations to the Salvation Army or Volunteering with an organization to help the homeless and mentally ill, some Jamaican’s see it only fitting to share their Christmas with those who can’t celebrate it themselves.