Christmas is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a symphony of hope, love, and light that resonates across the globe. For many, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a sacred moment echoing with promises of peace and redemption. Yet its embrace extends far beyond the pews of churches, touching hearts with the universal themes of giving, gratitude, and togetherness.
Across the Caribbean, the rhythms of parang music and the indulgence of rum cake ignite festive spirits. In the United States (US), city streets transform into glittering wonderlands, bustling with shoppers and dreamers alike. No matter the place, Christmas calls us to pause and revel in shared humanity—to gather, give, and rejoice in the beauty of the season.
In Guyana, the Christmas season is a vibrant mix of tropical warmth, cultural diversity, and heartfelt traditions. The atmosphere is electric with anticipation as people prepare to celebrate one of the country’s most cherished holidays. Homes and businesses are adorned with colourful lights, shimmering decorations, and nativity scenes, adding a festive glow to the streets.
Radios play classic holiday songs alongside local favorites, creating a joyful soundtrack for the season. The aroma of Guyanese Christmas treats—black cake, pepperpot, garlic pork, and homemade bread—fills kitchens. A sensory reminder of the unique flavours that make the holiday special.
Schenesa Porter
Contrary to popular belief, Guyana is not an island unto itself but a vibrant thread intertwined into the fabric of the world. This publication seeks to illuminate the profound connections between the Guyanese people and the far-flung corners of the globe, celebrating how its traditions echo across continents and cultures.
From the snowy streets of Canada to the sun-kissed shores of Barbados, and the vibrant traditions of the United States of America (USA), Christmas is more than just a holiday—it’s a global celebration of culture, family, and togetherness.
This publication caught up with four individuals from these different countries to explore how they spend their Christmas and what makes their traditions special.
Festive Cheer
Some 7,057 kilometres away from Guyana is the vast landscape of Canada, homeland of Jada Waldron, a make-up Artist, who loves to soak up the country’s magical blend of winter wonder and festive cheer.
Through the eyes of this proud Canadian with Guyanese roots, streets and homes sparkle with twinkling lights, creating a warm glow against the crisp, snowy landscapes. Cities buzz with holiday markets, where the aroma of freshly baked treats, hot chocolate, and spiced cider fills the air.
Waldron shared that after years of celebration, her favorite memories were those spent with her family singing familiar tunes, and eating a mix of traditional meals—such as roast turkey or tourtière—and multicultural flavours reflecting the country’s diversity.
“Christmas in Canada is magical,” Waldron said, adding that the snow, the twinkling lights, and the chill in the air all create a cozy atmosphere perfect for celebrating. We start our holiday season with the Christmas markets in Toronto, where you can find handmade gifts, delicious mulled wine, and the sweetest treats like butter tarts. On Christmas Eve, we gather for a big family dinner, which usually includes roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a variety of pies—apple, pecan, and the quintessential Canadian butter tart”.
She went on to share that “one of our unique traditions is the Boxing Day sales but the real magic happens when we exchange gifts, and then my family and I bundle up in warm clothes to walk around the neighborhood, admiring all the Christmas lights”
“Christmas Day is a day full of love, laughter, and the warmth of togetherness despite the cold for us, despite the Canadian winter.”
Festive glow
Some 6,210 kilometres away from Canada is Barbados and the vibrant capital of Bridgetown- hometown to Carpenter Derek Easton.
During the Christmas season the island buzzes with activity as homes and streets are adorned with bright, colourful lights, creating a festive glow under the warm Caribbean sun.
Contrary to Canada, the beaches in Barbados come alive with families and friends enjoying picnics and barbecues, often blending holiday traditions with the island’s laid-back vibe.
“Christmas in Barbados is all about the sun, sea, and family. It’s quite a different experience compared to colder countries, but it’s equally festive! The highlight for me is our Christmas dinner, which often includes flying fish, rice and peas, baked ham, and sweet potato pie. Of course, there’s always a glass of rum punch in hand,” Easton shared.
Jada Waldron
Describing the atmosphere prior to Christmas, he added that the air is filled with the rhythmic sounds of carols sung in calypso and reggae styles, blending holiday cheer with the island’s musical heritage. Markets and shops bustle with locals and visitors hunting for unique gifts and ingredients for festive feasts. The aroma of freshly baked Bajan delicacies, such as black cake spiced with rum and sorrel drinks, wafts through the air, tantalising taste buds.
Easton added “in Barbados a common tradition is the house-cleaning frenzy before Christmas. We scrub every corner of the house and often redecorate with new curtains, cushions, and other decor. The vibrant colours of red, green, and gold dominate homes, creating a cheerful vibe”.
“On Christmas Eve, we attend the midnight mass at church, where the choir sings beautiful carols. Then, we often head to the beach for a late-night gathering with friends, enjoying the warm breeze and the sound of the ocean. Christmas Day is for family and relaxation—after church, it’s a huge feast followed by lounging on the beach. It’s such a vibrant and laid-back way to spend the holiday season”.
Some 5,407 kilometres away from Barbados is the USA – a kaleidoscope of traditions, reflecting the country’s diverse cultures and regional flavours. From the bustling cities to small-town charm, the atmosphere is one of excitement, generosity, and warmth.
In urban centres, like New York City, iconic displays such as the Rockefeller Centre Christmas Tree and store windows on Fifth Avenue draw crowds from around the world. Skyscrapers twinkle with holiday lights, and festive ice-skating rinks buzz with activity. Suburban neighborhoods dazzle with elaborate light displays, where entire streets compete to create the most magical winter wonderland.
The US is a melting pot of traditions, so it’s not uncommon to see people celebrating in different ways depending on their heritage.
A true New Yorker, Schenesa Porter shared that her family, originally from the South, celebrates Christmas with traditional southern dishes, like fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato casserole.
“On Christmas Eve, we like to have a family game night where we play board games and share stories. On Christmas Day, we attend church in the morning, followed by a big Christmas dinner with all the relatives. Afterward, it’s all about relaxing, watching classic Christmas movies, and spending quality time together”.
New traditions
Some 4,259 kilometres away from New York is Guyana- fairly new homeland to a Trinidadian migrant. His Christmas season becomes a heartwarming journey of adaptation, discovery, and connection. Let’s take the story of Tyreese Williams, who moved from Port of Spain to Georgetown a few years ago, and his experience of celebrating Christmas in his new home.
Williams had always loved Christmas in Trinidad, where the festive atmosphere begins as early as November. Streets were lined with lights, and the sounds of parang and soca Christmas music filled the air. He missed the big family gatherings, the roasting of meats, the sweet smell of sorrel brewing on the stove, and the warm, humid nights spent on the verandah surrounded by relatives.
Tyreese Williams
When he arrived in Guyana, he wasn’t sure what to expect. The tropical climate was familiar, but there was something uniquely different about the way Christmas was celebrated. On his first Christmas in Georgetown, Williams was struck by the warm hospitality of her Guyanese neighbours, who invited him to join their celebrations. It was immediately clear that Christmas here was about family and community, just like in Trinidad, but with its own distinctive flair.
Another surprise was the emphasis on church services. In Trinidad, Christmas was often a family affair, with church services being a part of the day’s celebrations. In Guyana, Williams quickly noticed how the Christmas Eve service felt like the focal point of the season, with people gathering in full force for midnight mass, singing carols and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. It was a new tradition he came to appreciate deeply.
For Williams, Christmas in Guyana became a blending of his Trinidadian roots and the rich, diverse traditions of his new home. Each year, he finds joy in adapting some of his old traditions—playing parang music while embracing Guyanese customs.
As the world celebrates Christmas, we can all take a moment to appreciate the varied ways in which this holiday is cherished, reminding us that no matter where we come from, the warmth of Christmas can be felt everywhere.
