Christmas Lakay

The holidays are here. There is something different in the air. No matter what is going, no matter what we are going through, we pause, forget about our problems, and celebrate.

Haitian Christmas.

At least, that is what it used to be back lakay (home) in Haiti, where I grew up. Weeks before the holiday seasons, people would clean up their houses, and gave away things they no longer needed, or threw away things that no longer served any purpose. Indeed, the houses must be spotless to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year. This is a practice that would occur in every household, regardless of the social class one belongs to, in Haiti.

From the humblest of houses to the richest, Haitians would cook extravagant meals to savor after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Children were hopeful for a visit from Tonton Nwel, (Santa). Parents, especially the less privileged ones will try to move mountains to make their little ones wishes, a reality. If despite their monumental efforts, they couldn’t, they will find or make a pope twel (doll made out of wool and textile) for their kids to make them happy.

Magical moments.

After the midnight mass, kids and adults alike were looking forward to the delicious food, the cake and the kremas (Haitian equivalent of eggnog). Family and friends would come over to share meals. People would be up all night on the streets, buying gifts, cracking jokes, dancing, eating. The people who stayed home would be unwrapping gifts, and playing games and eat until the morning with Haitian Christmas carol playing in the background. Christmas day was usually a quiet day. People woke up late around midday. Coffee and bread were the ideal breakfast to get the sleepy body going. It was customary to wish a Merry Christmas to anyone, one would meet on the street. People would reciprocate with the same enthusiasm and the older folks would bestow blessings upon the younger ones.

Haitian New Year.

For New Year’s, it would be similar. The only difference would be that at the stroke of midnight, after mass, the famous soup joumou (pumpkin soup) was served. The soup would be served all day long to celebrate our independence. One would not go in any Haitian household without being offered the famous soup joumou. That day, the happiness was almost palpable.

As we grew older, there was not much of gift giving, but the moments we shared were precious. It was never really about gifts anyway. It was about the games we played, the teasing, the music, the meals we shared, the laughter, the storytelling, the magic of togetherness. Oh! have I missed that a lot when I moved here alone.

It just was not the same. To me at least, the magic was lost. Saying Merry Christmas and Happy New year to random strangers on the streets of  the U.S , would get me odd looks at times.

Nostalgia.

Therefore, around this time I grew nostalgic of the holidays back in Haiti. I have always been somewhat melancholic around this time of the year. I know, you might find it crazy to be longing of a place that everyone wants to escape from. But for me, that place gave me some of the most beautiful memories of my childhood especially around the holidays. You could say I romanticized those moments, and maybe you’ll be right. But don’t we all romanticized the past, particularly of those wonderful experiences?

I am not sure, how it is now growing up in Haiti around this time of the year. I don’t know if Haitian kids will grow up with fond memories of their childhood anymore. From what I hear in the news, it might not be as pleasant. But, I know Haitians. We make good out of the most grim situation imaginable. We really do make lemonade out of the worst lemons.

A warm Christmas.

I have been in the U.S now for most of my adult life. The life I have built here is a beautiful one. I do not have everything that I want but I am lucky enough to have everything I need. I was fortunate to have met new friends from this land who became family.

Holidays here do not feel as bad anymore. I have redefined the magical holiday feelings for myself and as a result, the holidays in the U.S are warm now. Phone calls, texts, facetime and delicious meals shared with family and friends are the highlights of these times.

Happy holidays everyone. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to the ones who are first generation immigrants, if you find yourself as homesick I once was and still are sometimes, give it time. It is different here but it is good. Possibilities are endless. Open your heart. You will meet wonderful people from all over the world here. Don’t bother yourself with what was once too much. The beginning is tough but you will find a great home here.

Until next time Xoxo,

Jp