tci sun christmas special

Telephone: 649-946-8542 Fax: 649-946-3281 Turks and Caicos SUN December 2011 FREE

DECEMBER 2011SUN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

SUN CHRISTMAS SPECIALDECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011DECEMBER 2011SUN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL


The diversity of Christmas in the Caribbean By Skye Hernandez

Grotesque masks, jigging Jonkonnu dancers and acrobats, ghost stories, Spanish music and pepperpot these seem far away from carols, mistletoe and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But they are Christmas traditions in various islands in the Caribbean where the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with cultural gifts from many different roots.

European colonists brought Christianity to the Caribbean, originally to the native Arawak and Carib Indians, though not many of them survived to practise it. Today, European Christmas customs survive everywhere across the region: Christmas morning services in the established churches, feasting on Christmas Day, wassailing or serenading, dances, the giving of gifts and Christmas cards, Santa Claus and Christmas trees.

When Africans were brought to the Caribbean as slaves to work on the sugar plantations, they added to Christianity their own customs and, right away, the festival began to evolve and take on a character of its own.

In Jamaica, fearsome duppies (ghosts) roamed the countryside at Christmas, the most legendary being Three-Foot Horse, whose terrifying approach was heralded by the sound of irregular hoofbeats, and Rolling Calf, who weakened the hearts of rural folk when he shuffled by, dragging chains along the pathways at night.

These stories probably date back to the plantations: slaves customarily went up to the great plantation house on Christmas morning to serenade its occupants with songs. Rewarded with a two-or three-day holiday, they made the most of it in their own gardens, reaping provisions both for food and to sell among themselves at the Christmas market.

In the evening, they would dress in their finest and return to the front lawn of the plantation house. According to Richard Dunn in Sugar and Slaves, "They divided themselves into groups to dance, some before the goombays, in a ring, to perform a bolero or a sort of love-dance, as it is called, where the gentleman lovingly wiped the perspiration off the shining faces of their black beauties, who, in turn, performed the same service to the minstrels. Others performed a sort of pyrrhic dance before the Ebo drummer, beginning gently and gradually quickening their motions until they seemed agitated by the furies."

Three hundred years later, the Jonkonnu dancers or "masqueraders" of Jamaica are still a part of Christmas, especially in rural areas. Grotesquely costumed dancers are accompanied by musicians playing flutes, drums and tambourines; they go about soliciting money. With names like Horse Head, Devil, Belly Woman, Pitchy Patchy and Actor-Boy, who would dare refuse them?

The origin of the Jonkonnus is unclear, but many believe their roots lie along the Gold Coast of Africa, and have been grafted onto the slaves' traditional festivities on Christmas evenings long ago. The tradition of Christmas market is still alive, even in Jamaica's capital city, where children are taken to shop for toys on Christmas morning. At the grand market, the weekend before Christmas, food is sold for Christmas cooking, just as the slaves centuries ago used to sell produce from their gardens on Christmas Day.

In Antigua, too, Christmas traditions are primarily of European and African origin, Scottish settlers having brought Christmas to the island.

"Old time Christmas" customs in Antigua have been described in detail, including Carol Trees, John

Bull (Jam Bull), Highlanders, Long Ghosts and Jumpa-Ben. Carol Trees were made from a stick with several cross-bars, like a telephone pole; with lanterns hung from the branches, they were carried from house to house by carol singers, accompanied by the music of an accordian (concertina).

In Antigua, John Bull is a grotesque character based on an African witch doctor. Dressed in dry banana leaves and old clothes, he was probably created by African slaves to satirise their British masters: the costume closely resembles that of the Sensay dancers from Guinea who performed at the end of the first stage of work initiation. The Highlanders are part of Antigua's Scottish heritage, and still perform at Christmas. They dance the Highland Fling dressed in a sort of kilt; their wire masks and cowhide whips are based on a Scottish military costume.

Tall Ghosts were huge figures on stilts whose masked faces used to peep into the upstairs windows of homes on Market Street, provoking terror in little children; they were popular at New Year as well. A Tall Ghost costume can be seen at the Tourist Bureau on Thames Street in St John's.

Also popular at Christmas, though now more prevalent in Antigua's Carnival, is the Dancing Jumble or Jumpa-Ben. which has its origins in Guinea, Ivory Coast and Benin. This character masqueraded on stilts to the music of kettle and bass drums, fife, triangle (ching-a-ching) and a

"boom pipe" made from lengths of iron pipe. The Kwuya or Stilt Dance is very difficult to do, and the dancer must be able to defy gravity with a high level of skill if he is to remain upright.

In 19th-century Antigua, quadrille parties were popular in high society, and the halls were decked, not with boughs of holly, but with sprigs of fragrant allspice (called "pimento" in Antigua and Jamaica). Bay leaf was also used for decoration, and cherry branches were made into trees. There were subscription dances every week, to the music of fiddle, tambourine and triangle. Drinks included fermented Christmas bush, ginger and water molasses; Christmas balls were accompanied by feasts of mutton, pork, turkey, duck, fowl, guinea-bird, ham, tongue, cakes and tarts.

A new dress had to be made for every day of the three-day holiday. For the poor, Christmas was the only access to the delicacy of pork and fried dumpling. On the streets, compliments of the season were given for a donation -- "Long life and crosperity!" (sic). Elements of all these customs still survive in 20th-century Antigua.

In the plantation era, Christmas was not only festivity: it was a very serious time in the islands, and the three-day holiday for slaves always brought rumours of uprisings to the masters' ears, some of them true. Research for the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda by Desmond Nicholson, for example, uncovered a dramatic case from 1710, when a planter named Sam Martin was killed by slaves on December 27 because he had not given the customary Christmas holidays. In 1813, just before the abolition of slavery, it was reported that

"Every Christmas brought alarm, and the militia was called out to prevent insurrections."

Perhaps the most lavish of modern Christmases

is to be found in Trinidad and Tobago, whose diverse history and relative wealth have given the festival a national flavour in which the large non-Christian communities join. The season begins as early as November, when the cooler breezes hint at the tail end of the rainy season and brilliant red poinsettias and lacy white Christmas bush begin to transform gardens. Christmas carols and local songs take over the radio and the parang season begins.

Parang, originally from Venezuela, is the traditional Christmas music of Trinidad -- lively Spanish-style music that calls for fancy steps and swinging hips. Traditionally, paranderos go from house to house serenading neighbours and sampling poncha crema (a well-spiced version of eggnog), sorrel, ginger beer and strong drinks like rum and whisky, as well as food. Parang is infectious music, strongly rhythmic, hard to resist, and it accompanies many of the season's parties.

Christmas is office party time, the high season of the social calendar, with various gala events requiring formal wear, dressing to the hilt. In recent times Indo-Trinidadian singers and calypsonians have added an extra ("chutney") flavour to the Parang. Scrunter's Ah Want a Piece of Pork (ah want a piece of pork, ah want a piece of Fork for mih Christmas), backed by a parang band, called everyone out to dance and eat.

Trinidadians expect to put on a few pounds for Christmas, confident that they will lose them afterwards in the frenzy of Carnival. People visit friends and family during the season, and you have To sample every auntie's black cake and taste every granny's sorrel, not to, mention the lady-next-door's poncha crema and the pastelles that Mom makes. Pastelles, a gift from Trinidad's Amerindian and Spanish heritage, are a cornmeal pocket stuffed with minced beef, highly seasoned, with capers and olives among the essential ingredients.

All this is merely training the big Christmas Day lunch. Turkey is the centre of attention, stuffed with seasoned breadcrumbs and giblets, though many people prefer a minced beef stuffing to make it a little richer. Ham is a must, and even people who do not eat pork will tolerate it on their table and offer it to ham-hungry guests. Chicken and roast beef are complemented by pastelles, vegetables, macaroni pie, potato and other salads.

This all-encompassing meal provides a focus for family gatherings. Christmas Day itself is mainly for family, with friends visiting throughout the holidays to bring gifts and sample the goodies. Most Christians make sure to go to mass, even if it is the only time for the year, either at midnight on Christmas Eve or early on Christmas morning.

The Christmas setting is important, so the house must be cleaned thoroughly, the tree put up and decorated in good time, and Christmas greeting cards hung up or collected in a prominent place. Houses are painted, even if only on the outside, and new curtains, furnishings and appliances are added, as far as the pocket will allow (though Christmas is a time when people far outdo their resources). The season ends with the massive parties of Old Year's night, followed by the exhausted somnolence of New Year's Day.

Most of the islands celebrate Christmas in a similar way these days, but with their own favourite dishes and customs. In Barbados, for example, along with the turkey and ham, the speciality is jug-jug, a dish made with ground meats, guinea corn and pigeon (gungo) peas.

This may have originated with nostalgic Scottish settlers who needed a tropical substitute for haggis.

For the poor, Christmas was the only access to the delicacy of pork and fried

dumpling.


Christmas is a time of joyH

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1 I find it hard to believe that it is nearly a hundred days since I first came to the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a pleasure to live here an honour to be the Governor. As we approach Christmas, I can say that my first Christmas here is certainly different from the one I spent in Warsaw, Poland just last year. There the snow was white rather than the sand.

My arrival on 10 September was just after the completion of the new constitution and British Ministers announcement that elections will be held by the end of next year if the eight milestones were met.

These milestones offer us a way forward and a vision of what a better governed TCI can be like. I also believe that we are able to achieve them and to move to elections by the end of next year. I know that many people across the islands very much want this.

Christmas is a time of joy. It also marks the end of advent; a period of waiting, and it offers hope for the future. It is a moment to look back as well as forward. As we look at

2011 we can say it has been a difficult year for many people on TCI. There have been over the last few months essential but painful change. I believe that as we look forward to 2012 there are genuine reasons for hope and optimism.

These include rising government revenues, starting to reprioritise spending towards schools and primary health care, economic growth, new investment and increasing tourism. Who would have thought at this time last year that we would be able to welcome over a million visitors to TCI in 2011?

We face many challenges in 2012. l believe that the people of TCI can overcome these challenges. These islands have been blessed. They are rich in nature, and rich in people. I hope that we can all work together in 2012 for the greater good of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As the book of Psalms puts it: “Trust in the Lord and do good”.

Finally I would like to wish each of you and your families a merry and enjoyable Christmas and a happy and successful 2012.

By Bishop Pastor Clarence N. Williams, CA, PA, JP.

The richest blessings of Almighty God, His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and the Comforter, The Holy Ghost be with each of you both now and always. Amen.

WISE MEN STILL BRING GOLDLet your thoughts and sentiments be golden;

let your behaviour and conduct reach its golden best. In all facets of your life and family, seek the golden standard both to God, His Church, your family, others and yourself.

This golden plateau must become a realization to each of us in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Gold signifies the best of your service. Golden attitudes and dogma will proliferate positivists and integrity in commerce and industry. Your golden taste must be simply - the best.

In Matthew chapter 2 and verse 11, "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."

During the time of Christ, there was no other commodity or metal more precious than gold; it was the pinnacle of worship, it was the most complete of presentations - gold, the best.

It is my sincere prayer the Christmas and New Year that each person residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands would make a paradigm shift to change our country and all its religious and commercial services to golden.

When we bring to Jesus, total gold, He returns total gold and more to us. You must comprehend that "the streets of heaven are paved with pure gold."

WISE MEN STILL BRING FRANKINCENSEThe sweet and exquisite fragrance of

frankincense lingers for days, it consumes the atmosphere of the room or building. It perfumes

"Buy and Give Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh'the air that where ill attitude and broken spirits lie dormant and tormented, they can now arise with joy, gladness, happiness and hope.

The expensive perfume never settles for second best - the wise men of the east brought only the best of perfumes for the Christ child.

Let your cherished life for Christ not only be seem but the pleasant aroma will calm all the rough situations in your life. Frankincense is a gracious perfume of peace, love and understanding. Let the peace of frankincense be present in your home, business and in all manner of relationships in the Turks and Caicos and indeed around the world.

Triumph over your enemies by presenting the gift of frankincense in a tranquil manner, then receive inspiration to return home another road.......a road to everlasting peace and joy.

Encourage your brothers and sisters with the encouragement that frankincense brings and do not develop a sadistic attitude to each other. Let the spirit of frankincense be ablaze in your vehicles and offices - the flavor of frankincense is the righteousness that Christ brought to us at Christmas time.

Your perfumed conduct and behaviour cannot get better than frankincense.

WISE MEN STILL BRING MYRRHMyrrh deals the preparation and stabilization

for this life and for the life to come. "I am come that you may have Life and that you may have it more abundantly."

Remember too, that only what is done for Christ will last.

It is calamitous to see the gigantic and unnecessary commotion and commercialization that we have contrasted the true meaning of Christ and the celebrations connected to His birth. Myrrh says take heed that we preserve the golden and frankincense values and

performances that we in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been enriched with and cherished for decades.

Do not let loose our religious and righteous traditions for greed and betrayal. The common bond of love will act as the presented myrrh to warn us of evil and doom.

CONCLUSIONHaving written the afore going, I join my wife,

Barbara, the children, grandchildren and the entire family of The Church of God of Prophecy throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, a gold, frankincense and myrrh Christmas and New Year.

Take heart, brethren, GOLD, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH are on its way. I believe and can see it by faith.

Bishop Clarence N. Williams, CA, PA, JP.National Overseer/Bishop of Turks and Caicos IslandsMember of The Integrity Commission

His Excellency Governor Ric Todd

Bishop Pastor Clarence N. Williams


The holiday rush is in full swing, and 2011 has provided some exceptional electronics for those hard-to-shop-for friends or family members. With so many other holiday hassles, the following list may help you check that last bit of holiday shopping off your list with a little more ease.

1) Smart PhonesThe smart phone market has exploded this year, so most wireless providers now carry a large variety of models. Topping the list is the

Apple iPhone 4S, but Apple’s contract with AT&T eliminates that option for many consumers. HTC also offers some great phones such as the Droid Incredible and EVO 4G. Check with your cellular provider to see what options are available.

2) 3D TelevisionsWith the popularity of 3D movies rising in recent years, it is no surprise that the technology is now available for your living room. Sony,

LG, and Samsung are among the manufacturers that now offer HDTVs with 3D capabilities. As is the case with any new wave of technology, prices for these TVs can be steep but vary from brand to brand and according to size.

The Samsung UN55C8000 55-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV is among the most highly rated.

3) The iPad2Although the iPad2 is not the only tablet computer, it sparked what is now a red-hot market and is still the top of the class. Apple sold

3 million iPad2 in 80. The Apple iPad2 is something of a supergadget, combining your Netbook, e-reader, gaming device, photo frame, and iPod into one well-designed device.

4) Kindle FireThe wraps are finally off Amazon's Kindle Fire tablet. Its splashy entry into the tablet firestorm was hard to miss and yet I'm underwhelmed.

The rumor mill had been rife with talk of an Amazon Android tablet for months. And no wonder: Amazon is the only company whose shopping services could create an integrated tablet experience that gives Apple a run for its money.

What Amazon announced today with the Fire is less of a ready-to-use tablet and more of a targeted companion for Amazon's content and cloud services.

5) iPodsiPods are a great holiday gift, and Apple has reworked its 2010 lineup to provide fun options for anyone on your shopping list. The iPod

Shuffle, the smallest and cheapest version of the mp3, again features buttons to improve usability. The 6th generation iPod Nano is smaller than in previous years and offers a touch screen and convenient clip feature but no longer

includes video capabilities. The Shuffle and Nano are great if you’re shopping for music lovers who like to keep their mp3 out of the way. The Apple iPod Touch has been slimmed down and offers most of the features of the iPhone 4S, including Face Time (video chat) as

long as wifi is available. If you’re shopping for a gadget lover, then the iPod touch is the way to go.

6) JewelryLooking for that perfect gift idea to give the one you love this Christmas? Holiday shopping does not have to be a stress. A wide range

of dazzling products that will be sure to sweep her off her feet. This Christmas, let jewelry be your guide to finding that special something, for that special someone. Show her how much you care with the jewelry that makes her look her best.

Top Gifts for 2011

DECEMBER 2011 SUN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Are you wondering what is on your children’sChristmas list this year? Chances are they wantone or more of these hot toys for Christmas

2011.

1. NINTENDO 3DSIt could have been on their list every year, butthis year, you have to make their wishes cometrue. Technology and entertainment are at theirbest with the newest Nintendo hand heldsystem. Download music, movies, and games forhours of fun. It is equipped with cutting-edgehardware that lets you see and do things like youhave never been able to do before. No specialglasses are needed to get the 3D effects andapplication downloads are easy and free.

2. BEYBLADE TOYSKnown from the children’s series of the samename, these products come in a wide variety.This is one of the reason they are some of thetop toys for Christmas 2011. The line of choicesfor these spinning tops is categorized into 3types: defense, balance and stamina. They arepitted against each other and the last onespinning in the ring is the winner. If you arelooking to get your kids off the video games fora while, these high action tops can produce a lotof indoor fun.

3. RAZOR BOGOGet your kids outside for action filled bouncingfun. The wide foot pegs offer stability whengoing for height and the light aircraft gradealuminum makes it lighter in weight and easy tomaneuver. Foam hand grips give comfort whilebouncing. Because of the lighter weight andcutting edge design, your kids will bouncehigher than ever before. Wearing a helmet andpads are a must when this bow assisted springis engaged. Your child will love learning all thefun tricks and owning one of the hot toys forChristmas 2011.

4. NERF VORTEX NITRONWhat makes this extreme gun unique from theother Nerf products? This play gun is made forshooting greater distances and the roundfoam/plastic discs help them get there withaccuracy. The battery based electronic scopewill ensure that they never miss anothertarget. This is the only gun that offers a

motorized blaster for extreme power. There aretwo spring loaded clips that hold 20 discsapiece. These 40 rounds of ammunition will keepyour kids with constant ammunition and withless loading time there is more time for play.This is one of the best toys offered this holidayseason for your gun enthusiast.

Hot Toys FOR CHRISTMAS 2011

5. MONSTER HIGH DOLLS

Your daughter can bring this exclusive high

school right into her own bedroom with all the

characters from the popular books and TV

series. Each doll is a descendant from a

notorious creature, like Dracula, zombies,

werewolves, and even Frankenstein’s monster.

You can purchase them in individual packages

or get them with accessories too. Your

daughter will have lots of fun with just one or

the whole set: Ghoulia Yelps, Draculaura,

Abbey Bominable, Clawdeen Wolf, Holt Hyde,

Frankie Stein, Spectra Vondergeist, Cleo De

Nile, Loose Dawn, and Lagoona Blue. These

characters are also available from a particular

episode, like Dawn of Dance!

6. LET’S ROCK ELMOHe is back and he is rockin’ with 6 songs and amicrophone, tambourine and drums. And hetalks too! Add other instrument playing SesameStreet characters to form their own band. Yourchild can play along with his own instruments oruse one of Elmo’s. Stock up on those AA batteriesfor your children to have hours of musical funwith one of their favorite characters. He is newthis fall and your preschooler will loveinteracting and singing and playing along withhim. Let your child development a love of musicand jam along with the popular furry friend.

9. AIR SWIMMERSThese are the newest in RC controlle

rs and

they are fun to watch and even more fun to fly.

The flying shark and clown fish are helium

balloons and controlled by an infrared handheld

controller. The fish are huge measuring 57

inches in length and 36 inches tall. They climb

and descend and turn 360 degrees. They truly

appear to be swimming through air as their tail

fins move from side to side. The controller will

work up to 40 feet and requires 3 AAA batteries

as well as one in the body of the fish. Just fill

them up with helium for weeks of fun.

7. RAZOR ESPARKWhat is it about this electric scooter that makesit unique? It’s the spark the rider can ignite byjust taking a step on the innovative spark bar. Thetwo 12 volt batteries will keep it running for 40minutes of scooter fun. The unit only weighs 30pounds and can get you scooting around at 10mph. The hand operated front brake andacceleration control are located on the twist griphandlebars. It comes with an 8 inch air filledfront tire and rear wheel crafted frompolyurethane which is powered by the amazinglypowerful motor. This awesome ride isrecommended for children ages 8 and up.

8. ANGRY BIRDS: KNOCK ON WOOD GAMEThis is one of the hottest toys for Christmas 2011because this fun game gives your little ones anopportunity for your child to learn to build, thenlaunch, then DESTROY!. It also presents a perfecttime for some family fun where your childrenlearn to play with others, follow rules, share, andtake turns. It has its basis on that phone app youlove, and here you’ll find those three mad littlebirds with cute personalities. Players draw cardsand build a designated structure before youropponents launch the angry birds and knock itdown. The fun part is using the sling-shotlauncher to knock the buildings over and scatterthe pigs.

10. BARBIE 2011 HOLIDAY DOLLHer beauty and elegance always gets her on thewish list of many girls for the holidays and thisyear is no different. She is one of the hot toys forChristmas 2011 and that is no surprise as she willbe one of those awesome dolls that are prizeditems by collectors. A gorgeous green and goldstrapless gown is perfect for this occasion. Thedelicate embroidery makes this one of the mostexciting outfits she has ever worn. And she alwaysknows how to accessorize! She puts it all togetherwith holiday red nail polish and beautiful goldearrings.


www.baume-et-mercier.com

The Regent Village • Providenciales Airport Grand Turk Cruise CentreTURKS & CAICOS

phone 649.941.4324 email [email protected]

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Christmas in ChinaThe Christian children ofChina decorate trees withcolorful ornaments. Theseornaments are made from

paper in the shapes of flowers, chains andlanterns. They also hang muslin stockingshoping that Christmas Old Man will fill them withgifts and treats.

The Chinese Christmas trees are called"Trees of Light." Santa Claus is called Dun CheLao Ren which means "Christmas Old Man.".

The non-Christian Chinese call this seasonthe Spring Festival and celebrate with manyfestivities that include delicious meals and payrespects to their ancestors. The children are themain focus of these celebrations, they receivenew clothes and toys, eat delectable food andwatch firecrackers displays.

Christmas in Great BritainIn Great Britain the hustle andbustle of the season beginswell before Christmas andthere is barely anytime for a

break until the Twelfth night. There ispreparation going on of foods, the sending ofChristmas cards, the decorating of houses andchurches, and the readying of gifts keepeveryone busy even the youngest familymembers.

On Christmas Eve youngsters hang up theirstockings on the ends of the beds or by thechimney so that when Father Christmas comeshe can leave them something.

On Christmas morning the familytraditionally opens their presents and preparesfor a big feast which typically is served just aftermidday. The table gleams with the best chinaand glassware, and at every place on the tablethere is a cracker. The meal begins with a toast,followed by the popping of the crackers. Afterthe meal they sit down in front of the Televisionfor the traditional Christmas speech of theBritish Monarch.

In Britain, children write their letters toFather Christmas and then throw them into thefireplace so they will float up the chimney andfly to the North Pole. If the lists catch fire first,they have to rewrite them.

At Christmas dinner, a plum pudding isserved with little treasures hidden inside thatbring their finders good luck. Britain was the firstcountry to hang up mistletoe.

Christmas in IndiaChristians in India decoratebanana or mango trees. Theyalso light small oil-burning

lamps as Christmas decorations and fill theirchurches with red flowers.They give presents to family members andbaksheesh, or charity, to the poor people.In India, the poinsettia is in flower and so thechurches are decorated with this brilliant bloomfor the Christmas Midnight Mass.In South India, Christians put small clay lampson the rooftops and walls of their houses atChristmas, just as the Hindus do during theirfestival calledDiwali.

Christmas in the Holy Land

Christmas in the Holy Land where Christ isbelieved to have been born is often full oftravelers come to celebrate Christmas. Here ina grotto there is a 14-pointed Silver Star on thefloor is where the birthplace is supposed tohave been.

There are three Christmas Eves in the HolyLand. One on the 24th December celebrated bythe Protestant and Catholic Churches. Thesecond for the Greek Orthodox, Coptic(Egyptian) and Syrian churches. The third is theArmenian Church. At times, all three servicesare going on at the same time, but, in differentparts of the church, as well as in differentlanguages. For lunch they eat turkey, spicedwith pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg and stuffedwith rice, meat,, pine nuts and almonds.

Early in the evening, members of theProtestant church groups would go aroundsinging carols. On Christmas morning childrenwould open their presents before breakfast.After breakfast Protestant people would go tochurch, and visit friends to wish them a happyChristmas.

The Catholic Church priests would come abless water from which all members of thefamily would take a sip.

The member of the Greek Orthodox ChurchEpiphany is very important. They have a specialchurch service at which a cross was dipped intowater to bless it. People would take the waterhome with them drink three sips before eatinganything.

Christmas in JapanOnly 1 per cent of Japanesepeople believe in Christ.Even so, most Japanesepeople decorate their stores

and homes with evergreens during Christmas.They enjoy giving each other gifts, and this

is the part they celebrate.They have a Buddhist monk called Hotei-

osho who acts like Santa Claus. He bringspresents to each house and leaves them for thechildren. Some think he has eyes in the back ofhis head, so children try to behave like he isnearby.

Among the Christian Japanese Christmas isnot a day for the family. They do not have turkeyor plum pudding, rather than that the day isspent doing nice things for others especiallythose who are sick in hospitals.

Christmas for those in Sunday schools isthe happiest day of the year. On Christmas Eveor Christmas night, the children put onprograms that last for hours, they sing, theyrecite and they put on a drama of the day Jesuswas born in Bethlehem.

Most children may not like Hotei-osho sothey may receive their presents from Santa whogoes around with a red-nosed reindeer.

Christmas in Latin AmericaChristmas in Latin America known as LasPosadas, Navidad and Dia de los Tres Reyes.Throughout the season are a lot of brightflowers and brilliant nights. They celebrate withholiday foods, songs. Those songs and foodseaten are greatly influenced by the differentindigenous people of the region but all share thestrong Latin influence dating from the arrival ofRoman Catholicism hundreds of year’s ago.Christmas is very much a religious holidaycentered around the age-old story of theNacimiento, Christ's Child.

How "Merry Christmas" is said in.....

Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso SunTan'Gung Haw SunChinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nienbing Chu Shen TanDutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een GelukkigNieuwjaar! or Zalig KerstfeastEstonian: Rõõmsaid JõulupühiEthiopian: (Amharic) Melkin Yelidet BeaalFrench: Joyeux NoelGerman: Fröhliche WeihnachtenHaiti: (Creole) Jwaye Nowel or to JesusEdo Bri'cho o Rish D'Shato BrichtoItalian: Buone Feste NatalizieJapanese: Shinnen omedeto. KurisumasuOmedetoPortuguese:Feliz NatalSpanish: Feliz Navidad


MAY THE CHRISTMAS SEASONFILL YOUR HOME WITH JOY

YOUR HEART WITH LOVEAND YOUR LIFE WITH LAUGHTERHAB Group would like to extend warm Christmas greetings

and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year to all of the Turks and Caicos Islands, our valued customers and

clients.

An investment with HAB Group is a safe and secure choice

www.HABgroup.com

649-946-4485 www.mybafsolutions.com

A member of the BAF Global Group • Bahamas • Cayman • Turks & Caicos Islands

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and peaceful Christmas season.

Happy Holidays from

Come in and talk to us in the New Year about your insurance needs.Auto • Home/Property • Liability

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CHRISTMASIN THE CARIBBEAN

Jamaica -Curried Goat Christmas is a very special time in Jamaica and like a lot of other countries; radio stations play carols all through the Christmas period. Lots of people paint their houses and hang new curtains and decorations for Christmas. Most families spend Christmas Day at home with friends and family members. The traditional Jamaican Christmas meal include fresh fruits, sorrel and rum punch and local goat meat.

Ingredients:

2 pounds local goat meat, cut into bite sized pieces2 Potatoes, Peeled & quartered1 bunch of scallions, chopped1 large onions, chopped1 large Tomato, chopped2 Scotch bonnet peppers, mincedSalt & Black pepperAbout 4 tablespoons curry powder (more or less to taste)8 tablespoons Cooking Oil4 garlic cloves, minced1 cup coconut milkJuice of 1 limeCurry Powder

Preparation:In a large bowl, combine the goat meat, scallions, half of the onions,

Scotch bonnet peppers, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons of curry powder, and 2 tablespoons oil. Mix the ingredients together, coating the pieces of goat well with the mixture. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.

The following day, remove the goat meat from the refrigerator and set aside. Scrape off as much marinade as you can from the meat, & save the marinade.

Place a large Dutch pot over medium high heat. Add the cooking oil. When the oil is hot, add two tablespoons of curry powder to the pot and stir it into the oil. Add the meat to this & fry for about 10 -12 minutes at medium heat, till all the spicy oil coats the meat & the meat starts to brown on the sides. Add the remaining onions and cook them until they are translucent. If needed splash some water & stir to deglaze.

Add the garlic, tomato & the saved marinade (the one you scraped off) to the Dutch pot and stir & toss to well to combine all of the ingredients for about 15 – 20 minutes.

Add the coconut milk and the lime juice & 1 cup of water.Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat, cover the pot and

simmer the goat meat for 2 or3 hours (or until the meat is very tender) at medium heat, adding water as needed. Towards the end of 2 hours, add the potato pieces to the pot and cover & cook again for may be an hour. Add little more water if required.

You are done when the meat & the potatoes are tender.

At Christmas time, people would normally do general cleaning of the house, repairs and any other cosmetic work on their homes. The women put up clean curtains and scrub the floors. Plans for making the famous "Black Cake" are put into works. Fruits are soaked in rum days before the cake is actually baked. "Garlic Pork" is another popular dish at Christmas. Normally a few nights before Christmas, the older folks start going from house to house and sing carols. There are lots of eating and drinking among the men folk, at this time. There is a famous phrase in Guyana that plays on the radio at this time.

Ingredients

3 to 4 pounds pork loin cut into 1-inch pieces 3 cups white vinegar1/2 pound garlic, separated into cloves and peeled 4 stalks fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried6 to 8 wiri wiri-type peppers (or 2 scotch bonnet-type peppers)2 cups cold water2 teaspoons salt6 cloves1 tablespoon vegetable oil

DirectionsIn a large bowl, wash the pork pieces with 1

cup of the vinegar. Lift them from the bowl with 2

Guyanese - Garlic Pork large forks; do not use your hands.Place the pork in a large jar or bottle.Place the peeled garlic, thyme, and chilies

in a mortar and pound to a paste. Then add the cold water and the remaining 2 cups of vinegar to the garlic mixture.

Add the salt and cloves and pour the garlic and vinegar mixture over the pork, making sure that the pork is completely covered.

Tightly cover the jar and allow the pork to marinate in a cool place for 3 to 4 days or longer.

To cook, place the pork in a heavy skillet and cook until the liquid evaporates. Then add the vegetable oil and fry the pork until it is brown.

Serve hot - with bread, or over white rice. Our family has always served with shots of Gin, Vodka or Whiskey

Bahamas / TCI - Turkey Junkanoo is a popular Bahamian/TI festival that is internationally known and celebrated during the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year. Also as an important part of their Christmas meal is Ham and Turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 to 9-pound) turkey• 2.2 pounds diced turkey breast• 3 1/2 ounces pine nuts• 3 1/2 ounces dates, finely chopped• 3 1/2 ounces walnuts• 3 1/3 ounces diced cured ham• 7 ounces chestnuts in syrup• 1/2 cup brandy• 1/2 cup sweet wine• 2 eggs• Salt and pepper

DirectionsPreheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Remove the bones from the turkey opening from the back and set aside while you prepare the stuffing.

Ina bowl, combine the diced turkey, pine nuts, dates, walnuts, cured ham, chestnuts, brandy, sweet wine and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and stuff the turkey with the mixture. Sew the opening shut with a trussing needle and kitchen string. You can also skewer the opening shut.

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 3 hours or until the internal temperature in the center of the stuffing and in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F. While roasting, baste frequently

Cut into slices, spoon the stuffing, and serve.


A Typical Christmas Menu for Haitians eat gyro, fritaille, Pikliz (spicy pickled carrots and cabbage), Haitian bread. Pineapple nog, bannan preze and Fried pork or goat. Haitian food is often lumped together with other Caribbean islands as “Caribbean cuisine.”

However, Haiti maintains an independently unique flavor. Unlike its Spanish-influenced counterpart, the Dominican Republic, Haitian cuisine is based on Creole and French cooking styles.

Strong pepper flavoring in many dishes also sets Haitian food apart from the other islands.

Ingredients * 1 can pineapple, crushed * ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, plus additional for topping * ½ cup coconut milk * 1 cup milk

Directions1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix well.2. Top the drink with additional nutmeg.

Haiti - Pineapple Nog


EATING GUIDE

How will you feel come the 1st of January knowing that you remain lighterthan this time last year and you have really turned a corner in yourrelationship to food? Now is the most important time of the year to showto yourself that you really have turned a corner. Follow these tips to help keep your new mindset on track.

1. Exercise the morning of the Christmas party: Expend more calories on the days you will be eating and drinking morecalories. I say the morning because then you are less likely to getdistracted by other things such as last minute Christmas shopping.

2. Exercise on Christmas day: I bet you never slept in on Christmas day as a kid, so why now? Wakeup early and go for a lovely trot around the block 30mins before thefestivities begin. It’s such a great way to start the day (even if you’re hungover).

3. Drink like a fish: No I am not talking about alcohol, water is a fast way to fill you up, sotake that 1.5L bottle with you and drink it throughout the day.Drink fruit juice instead of pop or eggnog during the holidays. You canstill have one glass of soda or eggnog at supper, but you should avoidchugging numerous cans of Coke throughout the holidays. To encouragekids to drink more juice instead of soda, make a fruit juice punch forChristmas or New Year's and just add soda water instead of Sprite or 7-Up. It'll be a tasty alternative that everyone will want to try!

4. No more meat than the size of your palm: and fill your plate withsalad. A lot of Christmas lunches are buffet. Buffets have a tendency to bringout the piglet in us. Stick to salad and no more meat than what wouldeasily fit in the palm of your hand (not including your fingers!).

5. Canapes are out:When at a cocktail party, it tends to be easier to say no to everythingrather than study the morsel and take pot luck in your pickings. Eat a latelunch and know in advance what your dinner plans are. Turning up at6pm to a party having not eaten since 1pm is a recipe for disaster. Eathalf your lunch at 1pm and half at 5pm. Also remember point 3 and drinklots of water late in the afternoon. I promise you won’t feel hungry andtempted.

6. Don’t eat unless a) you are sitting down, and b) the food is on aplate: There will be so much yummy ham in the fridge and crumbling bitsof pudding. Nibbling is one of the great curses for weight loss. Enjoy theleftovers as a meal, put them on a plate. Sit down and savour them. Stopyourself as you reach to eat straight from the fridge.

REMEMBER THAT THE KEY TO HEALTHY EATING IS“EVERYTHING IN MODERATION”

Remember that you don't have to cut out all the tasty treats from yourdiet at this time of the year - it's just a matter of "everything inmoderation." Instead of piling your plate with turkey and all thefixings, take smaller portions. If you're still hungry after dinner, go backfor a second round of veggies. And if you want a couple of chocolates,go for it. Just don't end up sitting in front of the TV watching holidayspecials and finishing off a whole box on your own!The silly season can be a wonderful time, so enjoy yourself withoutobsessing over food and your weight. You are doing this out of respectnot punishment so use these tips and enjoy the new you with all therewards it brings.Merry Christmas!

How many people do you know that roll into work aftertheir Christmas break, resembling one of the manypuddings they ate over their break? Maybe I’m talkingabout you! Why let it all go out the window for that fewweeks around Christmas? You’ve been focusing onlosing weight for months, and in the short space of time,you’ve thrown it all out the window and its back to thedrawing board.WELL NOT THIS YEAR!

Preparation:Boil potatoes and garlic cloves in a large saucepan for 20 minutesuntil potatoes are tender. Drain and return to pan. Add heated milkplus sour cream to potatoes and garlic, and mash with a

Low fat, Low Calorie SidesGarlic mashed potatoescan be creamy andflavorful without all thatbutter and cream. Try thisversion for your holidaytable, or as a side dish forany occasion.

Ingredients:• 2 pounds Yukon Goldpotatoes, peeled and cutinto pieces• 6 garlic cloves, peeled• 1/3 cup fat-free milk,warmed• 1/3 cup fat -free sourcream• 1/2 tsp black pepper• Chives, freshly chopped

Yields: 6 servings Cook Time: 25 minsCalories: 124 per serving


Low fat, Low Calorie Sides

Ingredients• 3/4 cup(s) milk, fat-freeevaporated• 1 cup(s) cottage cheese, low-fat• 1/2 cup(s) cheese, ricotta, low-fat• 1/2 cup(s) cheese, cheddar, low-fat• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground• 1 dash(es) salt and black pepper,to taste• 1 teaspoon cheese, Parmesan• 1 tablespoon bread crumbs, fine,dry• 1 pounds pasta, elbow macaroni,cooked

Delicious and kid friendly baked fries, greatas a side or snack.

Ingredients• 1 tsp cinnamon• 1/4 tsp salt• 1 tbsp olive oil• 2 5" long sweet potatoesDirections1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut in halfcrosswise.2. Cut in half lengthwise and then cut eachpiece into 4 wedges.3. Place in 9x13" pan and drizzle with oliveoil.4. Toss to coat evenly.5. Sprinkle with salt and cinnamon (or anycombination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice,etc.)6. Bake 35 minutes at 400 °F (200 °C)turning once.

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Yields: 4 servings Cook Time: 35 mins Calories: 136 per serving

Preparation1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat. Add thecheeses until they melt, stirring constantly.2. Stir in the nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat. Add thecooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well.3. Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese andbread crumbs. Bake the casserole for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the top is browned.

Yields: 6 Servings Calories: 203 per serving

Guilt FreeMacaroni and

Cheese A simple and tasty re-creation of a favoriteChinese restaurant side dish with fresh greenbeans and oyster, garlic and soy sauce.

Ingredients• 1 tsp soy sauce• 16 oz green beans• 1 tbsp sesame oil• 2 tbsps oyster sauce• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced• 2 tsps sugarDirections1. Heat sesame (or peanut) oil in a wok orlarge skillet over medium-high heat.2. Stir in the garlic, and cook until the edgesbegin to brown, about 20 seconds.3. Add the green beans; cook and stir untilthe green beans begin to soften, about 10minutes.4. Stir in the sugar, oyster sauce and soysauce.5. Turn down the heat slightly and continuecooking and stirring for several minutes untilthe beans have attained the desired degreeof tenderness.

Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

Chinese Style GreenBeans In Garlic Sauce

Ingredients• 1 1/2 quarts water• 5 cups thinly sliced carrots (orbaby carrots)• 3 tablespoons chopped freshparsley• 2 tablespoons honey• 1/2 teaspoon salt• 1/2 teaspoon grated orangerind • 1/4 teaspoon freshly groundblack pepper Preparation1. Bring water to a boil in amedium saucepan. Add carrots;cook for 20 minutes or untiltender. Drain well. Place carrotsand remaining ingredients in alarge bowl; toss gently.

Calories: 51

Side Dishes Under 75 Calories

Ingredients• 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil • 1 1/2 tablespoons minced red onion• 1 large garlic clove, minced• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped seeded redjalapeño pepper• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice • 1 teaspoon chopped peeled fresh ginger• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantroPreparation1. 1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet overmedium heat. Add onion and garlic to pan;cook 2 minutes. Add pineapple; cook 5minutes or until lightly browned. Add soysauce, pepper, juice, and ginger; cook 2minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro.

Calories: 61

Asian Caramelized PineappleHoney-Glazed Carrots

Asian Caramelized Pineapple

Honey-Glazed Carrots


The holidays can be especially hard on a single girl; what with families sharing hotchocolate in front of the Christmas tree and couples cozying up on cold nights. Then thereare the nosy relatives to deal with; the ones who utilise little tact in enquiring about yourlove life and go on endlessly about who has tied the knot during the past year."In our society, there are expectations that once you are a young woman, and especiallyat this time of the year, that you will have to go home to face relatives who will want toenquire why it is you don't have someone," said counselling psychologist Lola Allen-Jones,who likens Christmas to Valentine's Day given its sometimes devastating effect on singlepersons.

Indeed, it can be lonely for those flying solo, but before you start despising your status,try and appreciate the perks of being unattached instead.Here are 10 reasons you ought to love being single during the holidays:

1. Fewer people to shop for. Children especially look forward to presents and shoppingsprees during Christmas; but as a single woman, you can be a little selfish and splurge onyourself. With no husband to consider, you can also bank your bonus so it can be investedin a new course which will help you to uplift yourself for the new year.

2. You won't have to deal with the in-laws. Some married people will tell you thatmeeting with the in-laws is the thing they look forward to the least during the holidays.Consider yourself lucky that you won't have to go out of your way to be extra nice to themother, father, brother and sister of a spouse.

3. Less cooking to do. While most wives will find themselves glued to the kitchenpreparing big Christmas feasts, you can indulge in ice-cream and chips while watchingSex and the City re-runs in your pyjamas on Christmas day.

4. You can stay in bed all day. Since you won't have to worry about getting up to preparea healthy breakfast for a husband and children, you are free to get out of bed wheneveryour mind bids you to, and who cares if you have leftovers for breakfast instead ofpreparing a big feast?

5. You don't have to justify your expensive purchases. You can buy as many shoesas you like without having to justify your purchases. And what better time to shop thanduring the Christmas season when there are deals galore?

6. You can turn up the volume on your component set. Instead of saving your singingfor the shower, you can belt out some tunes in your living room without having to considerdisturbing sleeping children or a husband who just knows how to kill a good vibe.

7. You don't have to think twice about pigging out. You get to eat as much as you likewithout having to consider the critical stares of a spouse. When you are home, you willhave more freedom to pig out on the foods of your choice without having to be remindedof your weight.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS FOR SPENDINGTHE HOLIDAY AS A SINGLE GIRL OR GUY:

1. Make A Xmas Holiday PlanDecide ahead of time how much you want to be visibleduring the Christmas period. Divide your time betweena party and a business event you are expected toattend to do new things. Get out of the rut of doingwhat you did when you were married. Familygatherings can be as stressful as they are fun. Ratherthan stress yourself, engage in something that you willenjoy.

2. Start Your Own Christmas TraditionsYou could host a gift exchange party with some of thesingle people you have met. Think outside of the box.Instead of serving the typical Christmas cheer likeeggnog make it a cranberry martini party. Decorateyour tree with beautiful bows instead of typical ballsand glitter. The key is at this point in your life createyour own version of Christmas

3. Help Out Others During The HolidaysVolunteering your time is a perfect solution to feelingfulfilled and active during the Christmas season. Helpout in a soup kitchen. Participate in a toy drive orsponsor a less fortunate child/family. Give some timeto a food drive collection during this holiday season.Volunteer at a local nursing home. Really get involvedin the doing not just bringing food items or writing acheck. Focus your attention on others and findopportunities to get involved in your community. Thelist of things to do to help others is never ending.

4. Attend holiday parties and events if you do needto fly solo. There is no reason to be embarrassed ifyou are single over the holidays. Almost everyonegoes through periods of being single. Participate inholiday meals and gatherings just as you would if youwere the other half of a couple.

5. Invite another single friend to attend holidayparties and meals with you. If you buddy up withsomeone else who knows how lonely you feel on theholidays, you will not feel so out of place and unusual.Of course, you will also be helping your friend to feela little less alone over the holiday as well.

6. Participate in local holiday events andperformances. You can sign in a local church choir orperform in a community Christmas play. Join othermembers of your community to sing Christmas carolsthroughout the neighborhood. Being actively involvedwill help to keep your mind occupied so that you donot feel alone. You will be among friends andneighbors. You might even meet someone new.

10 reasons you should lovebeing single at Christmas!

Fresh Christmas Decorating IdeasBring cheer to your house this holiday season with these easy decorating ideas

HANG A POINSETTIABASKET

You can hang itinside or out for aunique Christmas

display.

1. Hang Vintage OrnamentsNo need to reinvent your decorations eachChristmas; stick with the familiar. It’s ok to use thesame ornaments every year! Decorate with vintageglass ornaments and ornaments given to you byfriends and family.

Put Out Christmas LanternsArrange a grouping of festive lanterns at yourentryway for quick-and-easy holiday style. Considerusing flameless candles as a worry-free alternativeto regular pillars.

3. Adorn Your GiftsPretty up your presents by attaching bells orornaments. Use the same color ribbon on all yourpackages under the Christmas tree to make acohesive look with different patterned wrappingpapers

4. Display an Advent WreathPull together a quick and easy advent wreath bygrouping pillar candles wrapped with strands ofthread and arranging them in a large wooden bowlfilled with dried black-eyed peas, pomegranates,and artichokes.

5. Use All Glittering OrnamentsCreate a unified and sophisticated alternative tomismatched Christmas ornaments with glitteringballs and stars in various finishes.

6. Fill Cylinders with OrnamentsUse spray paint to add a shimmery touch topinecones, acorns, or round glass ornaments.Displayed en masse in tall glass vases, theybecome instant and easy Christmas accents

7. Create an Arrangement with Fruit andGreeneryUse a glass hurricane or vase to create anarrangement that will last throughout the Christmasseason by filling the jar with a layer of limes, redholly berries, and lemons. Top it off with stems ofgreenery.

8. Hang a Poinsettia BasketSwap a poinsettia’s standard plastic pot for a basketlined with moss. We love poinsettias for their rangeof colors and sizes. They’ll offer nonstop color wellinto the New Year if you place them in a cool, well-lit room and keep the soil moist but not wet. Big no-no: Don’t let plants sit in a water-filled sleeve―they’ll rot.


Holiday spending is a common way for peopleto land themselves in debt and financial stress.Some find themselves in trouble by rationalizingbig spending and incurring debt during theholidays. This leads to paying for holidayspending well into the next year. Effectiveplanning could mean enjoying theholiday season without the financialburdens. “Christmas is not anemergency; it doesn’t sneak up onyou,” says Dave Ramsey, ”Christmasis always in December, they don’tmove it”. [1] Make a goal to have adebt free Christmas by showingdiscipline and setting guidelines foryourself.

Here are some steps to create andmanage your budget:

1. Create a list of people to buypresents for: spouse, children,relatives, friends and coworkers. It’seasy to get carried away with giftgiving so keep your list short – include onlythose people you are closest to.

2. Put together a realistic spending figure foryour Christmas gift budget. Once you haveyour spending amount, spread it out amongyour list by putting a dollar figure next to theindividual or family’s name on your list.

3. Decide how to budget and save yourholiday money. You may be able to set themoney aside in a savings account or use anenvelope system (put cash in an envelope).Experienced budgeteers usually include aspecial Christmas or Holiday savings categoryin their monthly budget.

4. Use a Christmas Budget worksheet tohelp you record the figures and stay ontrack. It allows you to keep track of Christmasgifts as well as other holiday items (Christmascards, decorations, etc.). Whenever you makeschanges, check the totals to make sure you’restill within your budget.

5. Shop with a fixed amount of cashpreferably Once you’ve set those amounts, considerwithdrawing the relevant sum of money to coverthe total and then pay for gifts with cash if youcan. Be careful, if you’re paying electronically,it’s much easier to spend more than youintended. (You’ll also progress through queues

more speedily.)

6. Buy Christmas goods on sale afterChristmasThis is not novel advice, and I suspectthat many stores are so alive to the post-Christmas sales trick that the savingsaren’t as great as they used to be. But ifyou have storage space (and arguablyyour own home), then stocking up inearly January can be a good idea.

7. Inventory your decorationsKnowing what you’ve already got makesit less tempting to invest in brand-newdecorations in this year’s fashion colours.That’s not to say you shouldn’t replacesome old or worn-out decorations, butyou don’t need a whole new fit-out everyyear.

8. Avoid extra expenses that you canlive without.

9. Don’t panic if you spend a littlemore on something than planned. The ideais to stay close to your figure and reduce youroverall expenditures. If you spend a little moreon an item, try finding a better deal on the nextitem on your list.

10. You may need to make adjustments toyour budget. If you do, make sure to keep aneye on the totals. If you add rows to theChristmas budget spreadsheet, verify the sub-total formulas so that you aren’t spending morethan you think you are.And last, but certainly not least, enjoy theHoliday season. This is a special time of year.Don’t let stressing or spending overshadow theimportant things.

Regifting or regiving is the act of taking a giftthat has been received and giving it tosomebody else, sometimes in the guise of anew gift.The term was popularized by an episode

of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld although thepractice pre-dates the term substantially. Inthe episode, the character Elaine calls Dr.Tim Whatley a "regifter" after he gives JerrySeinfeld a label-maker that was originallygiven to Whatley by Elaine.Another variant introduced in Seinfeld is

degifting, which refers to the act ofdemanding a gift back from the receiver.There are only three reasons you might

be reading this column:1. You think regifting is totally tacky, but yousecretly hope there might be a polite way toget rid of that hideous scarf your Aunt Ednagave you.2. You're a chronic regifter and you needsome new ideas to get you through theholidays.3. You've never heard of regifting. Really.You're just curious.Welcome, one and all, to a frank

discussion of a grand old holiday traditionwe all practice and pretend we don't. (Thatincludes you fibbers who picked No. 3!)

A few rules for regifters• Don't mention it, please. Post thinks "thebest approach is to be upfront" whenregifting, but I have to ask: Why spoil themoment? If you tell your sister-in-law, in somany words, "I have no use for this nastyvase, so I'm giving it to you," even a personin need of a vase will hate you. I say, keep

your yap shut unless there's a goodreason not to.• Do update the wrapping. The nextmost common regifting faux pas,after leaving the previous giftcard attached, is to regift in theoriginal, now crinkled andpossibly torn (hello!?) wrappingpaper or box. If the phrase "Hey,it looks almost new" crossesyour desperate holiday brain,remember that the "almost" is adead giveaway to the newgiftee.

• Don't give hand-me-downs as regifts.Novice regifters (and those who areterminally tacky) often get these twocategories confused. Don't. A hand-me-down is an item you've already used thatyou'd like to pass along to someone who willenjoy it and use it more than you will. Forexample, a sweater you've removed the tagsfrom and worn twice. You could wrap it upand give it as a "gift" only if another real giftis provided. A regift should be just that: a giftyou've never used that you're giving away asthough it were a . . . real gift!

• Do keep track of who gave it to you first.Keep a small notebook of who gave youwhat. I had a harrowing experience thatinvolved regifting a pair of earrings to acousin -- who had given them to me twoyears before. I forgot. She remembered. Andshe let me know about it.

• Don't EVER regift these items. Certain

items are a total, dead, instant giveaway thatyou not only are regifting, but you're also toolame to put any effort into it: candles, soap,random books, mysterious CDs, obscuresoftware, cheesy jewelry, scarves, fruitcake,pens, cologne, boxed sets of extinct bathproducts, videos or DVDs obviouslyacquired on a street corner, socks and anyappliances or electronic gear the gifteewould be puzzled to receive because theyprobably just got rid of it.

• Don't give partially used gift cards. Astechnology pushes the envelope of regiftingpossibilities, the chance of looking like aninny only grows. Don't give a $25 gift cardto Barnes & Noble that has $14.56 left on it.Would you give a pie with a slice taken outof it? We hope not.

RULES FOR REGIFTING WITHOUT FEAR


Hocus Focus


Wishing You A Joyful Holiday Season AndHappiness In The New Year – From YourFriends At Scotiabank Turks and Caicos.

We sincerely appreciate your business and look forward to

helping you reach your financial goals in the year ahead.

MerryChristmas

* Trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. T&C (08/10)


Merry Kissmas and a lifetime of love from LIME.

SUN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks & Caicos Islands | Tel: 649.946.8542 | Fax: 649.941.3281

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