CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
This bright red holiday drink made from the petals of a flower is a staple on Christmas tables across Barbados.
What is sorrel?
This calypso-influenced Christmas song by The Merrymen compares the season's happiness to 'sugar on a ripe banana.'
What is "Beautiful Christmas" by The Merrymen?
For many Bajans, Christmas doesn't officially start until this beloved brand appears in the kitchen- often the star of the table. Some say if you buy another, "you ain't serious bout Christmas."
What is Farmer's Choice Ham?
In this 2003 comedy, a stoic father and his whimsical son are reunited, together, they help Santa regain the Christmas spirit.
What is 'Elf'?
In Bajan Tuk Band parades, this comic female character is known for her exaggeratedly large hips and lively antics.
Who is "Mother Sally"?
Although this delicacy is enjoyed year-round, this holiday staple becomes so essential that Bajans start this process months earlier.
What is soaking fruits for black cake?
Often mistaken for a New Year's song, this traditional Scottish tune became a worldwide holiday staple despite never mentioning Christmas at all.
What is 'Auld Lang Syne"?
Once a luxurious Christmas drink reserved for those who could afford milk, eggs, and spirits, this holiday classic now inspires fierce debate: some insist it must be aged for weeks while others refuse to try it at all.
What is Egg Nog?
Set in Chicago, this 2006 romantic comedy involves a newspaper columnist and a movie trailer producer who swap homes for Christmas- and they just might have found love along the way.
What is 'The Holiday'?
In Barbie in A Christmas Carol, this character is the kind-hearted spirit who guides Barbie's character to understanding the importance of generosity and caring for others.
Who is The Spirit of Christmas Past/ Present/ Future?
This Christmas morning gathering is one of the few Barbadian traditions where fashion, public space, and music interest intersect.
What is going to Queen's Park on Christmas morning?
This global Christmas anthem is famous for beginning with a high note many singers fear- and was originally written for a movie.
What is "All I want for Christmas is You"?
This rich, slow-cooked dish is a Guyanese Christmas tradition, known for its dark molasses-like colour and spicy, cinnamon infused flavour. Traditionally served with bread, it simmers for days and often improves with reheating.
What is Pepperpot?
This 1990 film features a large family travelling at Christmas- only thing is there's a catch...they just might have forgotten someone along the way.
What is "Home Alone"?
This wooden soldier comes to life on Christmas Eve, leading an army of toys against the Mouse King and escorting a young girl to a magical kingdom of sweets.
Who is The Nutcracker?
This popular Barbadian seasonal dish pairs pickled, seasoned pork with a golden cornmeal pie.
What is jug-jug?
In this humorous Bajan Christmas song, the singer realizes he's in trouble afterr asking a woman what she wants fuh Christmas. He claims she's thinking of someone else.
What is " She Mistake Me Fuh Santa Clause"?
In Puerto Rico, this dish of cornmeal dough filled with meat, olives, and capers is steamed in plantain leaves and is a holiday staple for Christmas Eve.
What are pasteles?
Based on a popular children's book, this 2000 live-action film stars Jim Carrey as a grumpy creature who is hell-bent on stopping Christmas.
What is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"?
In Barbados and other parts of the Caribbean this masked, mischievous character appears during the Christmas season, dancing the streets in ragged clothes and playful antics.
Who is Shaggy Bear?
You'll find no cards or wagers here- only a group of men/women slamming tiles with calculated precision, while debating politics, cricket and life itself.
What is playing dominoes at the rum shop?
This Parton classic has become a holiday staple but it isn't about presents of snow- instead it reflects on starting over, staying hopeful, and making the best of things.
What is " Hard Candy Christmas?"
This flat, dense bread made from cassava is a traditonal accompanient to fish or stews in Jamaica.
What is 'Bammy'?
In this 1994 film, an accidental fall from a roof, leads a non-Santa believing man, magically bound by a mysterious Clause to take over a certain jolly role.
What is "The Santa Clause"?
This young reindeer is initially teased for his unique body part, but subsequently is praised for it when he becomes an unlikely hero, one foggy Christmas Eve.
Who is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?