Dennie Quill, Contributor

Malaria or not, Jamai-cans are returning home in droves to celebrate the festive season with their loved ones. The airports are choked with passengers struggling to harness their many pieces of luggage, no doubt full of goodies for every member of the family. Christmas is like the glue that holds together the continuum of time and family.

None of the bickering that is present in America over how to celebrate Christmas is seen here in Jamaica. In many states of the U.S. there is constant arguing over whether to celebrate this season of good cheer. Christmas celebrations and pageants have been banned from some schools, even the Christmas tree has been the victim of conflict in some states.

So it is no wonder that Jamaicans are streaming in from all corners of the U.S. and other countries in the world to spend the holidays in the bosom of family and friends. It's different for everyone: for some it is seeing the faces of loved ones break into rapture when they open their presents; for others it is delving into home-style cooking; yet others enjoy the noisy parties and greeting and meeting, for still others it is a solemn occasion to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.

Acts of kindness

Gift-giving is an important part of celebrating Christmas. I love getting gifts and I enjoy giving gifts. Mind you, I believe in random acts of kindness and charity, not necessarily to those I love most but to those who have least. I also believe in practical gifts, rather than giving a Chinese-made plastic toy I prefer to give a book which will help in someone's development. But that's me. The tradition began when gifts were brought to the Christ child in the manger, and after all we are celebrating the birth of Christ.

But this gift-giving activity can sometimes blunt the festivity. And in many families the joy of Christmas collapses during the exchange of gifts. For example, a beloved grandson who is returning home for the holidays may want to get granny into the spirit of things, and being a captive of Victoria Secret may decide to get her a sexy outfit. But when he left Jamaica ten years ago, granny was young and curvy, now she may feel offended at being offered skimpy little things which can't even pass her thickened thighs. Someone may decide to buy an expensive lighter for an uncle only to discover that he has kicked the habit.

This is a clear indication that many families remain virtual strangers throughout the year, and only come together for Christmas holidays. It is perhaps a great idea if families resolve to remain in close touch throughout the year.

And I beg of you, where there are conflicts within families, it is an excellent time to makes moves towards healing wounds and mending fences. The statistics show that domestic violence continues to claim many lives in our society. The Christmas table might be a good place to reflect on these problems.

Worst of times, for some

If the Christmas season is the best of times, it is also, however, the worst of times for some persons. Many people get depressed at Christmas because of not-having-enough-money anxiety. Others find it hard to deal with the maddening traffic which converts our streets into a virtual obstacle course. Then there are those whose joy of Christmas has been diluted by tragedy. Families robbed of their loved ones through senseless acts of violence or careless use of the roads. Also, there are those who are sick and suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Our hearts go out to those who are not particularly happy at this time.

But all of that doesn't take away from the utterly joyous nature of Christmas. I am convinced that no man-made occasion can pull us all together like a real Merry Christmas. I wish for all my readers a wonderful Christmas.

Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist who may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com