The time was late in the 1960s. It was three days before the big event and the neighbourhood was buzzing with activity. Holiday preparations were taking place in our house with Allan and Ken pulling the linoleum up off the floor while Scrop-nee was painting the bathroom walls. The adults were preparing to go to Lines Brothers, Shoppers Fair and Stop and Shop to purchase the weekly specials and then on to the parcel post to collect the special package that had arrived from Eaton's.
Outside, the noise of the gas truck unloading gas tubes at Ms. Smith's house could be heard. Throughout the neighbourhood, the dogs were barking at the men in the Ideal Furniture truck as they delivered furniture to Cookie's house. The Trotts were painting the outside of their home. Miss Hilda was cooking her pudding over an outside fire, and down the hill, Uncle Molly was preparing to slay his pig.
Our neighbourhood consisted mainly of family, friends and a few others who were not too busy to interact with us. It was one big family and everyone's door was always open. We children in the neighbourhood grew up very close and we were always there for each other. We stayed physically fit by playing outside almost all day long until our parents called us. The main thing for us was getting outside with our friends as early as you could and staying in the vicinity of your home all day and be in the house before dark, if not the Bogey Man would get us.
The Cart Road was a dirt road approximately 50 yards long, surrounded by houses on each side. It was the main road for traffic to enter and exit our neighbourhood. The center of The Cart Road became the meeting place for all the neighbourhood children. It was here that we told stories, played games, and sorted out any arguments. This was our turf.
It was a beautiful, warm day and a group of us children sat idle "shooting the breeze" under Grandma's Poinciana tree at the end of The Cart Road. Noel, who was the oldest of the group, said; "Only two days left. Where is everybody? I wanna do something!"
"Let's play Red light or Mother May I," uttered Donna.
"I don't want to play no sissy Red light," Noel and Charlie chimed in unison. "I wanna play cricket and you girls ain't playin!"
"We don' wanna play with you stupid boys anyway! As soon as Latanya and Pam finish their chores, we girls are gonna play Chinese hopscotch," added Marshalle.
"Well, I gotta fill up the washer then go up Ms Williams' shop to get some lard and a Calendar for Momma. And Stephen, Anthony and Dwayne have to go up Scranny Place's and get their hair cut," said Glenn, "And I know Jeanna hears Mildred calling her to get her hair wash and water curled before her Momma comes back from town."
"Well I betta get ready to go up de road and get my hair pressed and curled," said Delores.
"Man! Everybody's goin'!" said Jamesie in disgust. "The Howard's are gone up da granny's. Um gonna take some mineral bottles up Mr. Caisey's and get some pear drops but I don wanna take Sinny with me. I always have to take him everywhere I go, then he goes back and tells my momma everything."
Traditionally my cousins came every Sunday to visit and attend Sunday school with us. Today was a special Sunday school. We were having a concert, which included reciting the memory verses that we had rehearsed all week.
Three of my cousins (the "C" sisters) came dressed to kill in identical blue overcoats, fishnet stockings, black shoes and white tams.
At 2:45 p.m., we all walked to Sunday school together. When all the teachers arrived, we then separated into our respective classes, boys on one side and girls on the other side. There were children there that we had not seen since Easter. At the end of the class, everyone received a book, an apple, and some nuts and candy in a brown paper bag.
The evening before the big day, my father bought a five "foota" to our house. My brothers and I ran to the car and watched as he unravelled the rope and unloaded it from the top of his car. That night, we all helped by fetching a bucket for the 5 footer, pulling out the boxes from last year which held the shiny flecks and adornments. We were all excited as we bussuled around with nervous energy tying to assist in preparing the five footer. Alas, two hours later the cords were connected and the entire atmosphere had changed in the house.
I awoke early the next morning to an unusually quiet house and the aroma of food cooking with scents that you smell only at a certain time of the year.
I could hear my mother and gramma talking in the kitchen as I tiptoed into the front room. Lo and behold, there she was standing upright in the corner, waiting for me. It was "my three foot walking doll." I was so excited that I woke up everybody. As we moved around the front room, gifts were distributed to all. I received a doll, clothes and games, while my brothers and cousins received cowboy accessories, dungarees, cars and balls and a red wagon. It was the happiest morning for us as we opened our presents.
We all hurried to eat breakfast, clean up and go outside to see what our cousins had received. By this time, everyone had met in The Cart Road beaming with excitement. The younger children were riding their tricycles; the older boys examining their cars and red wagons; and the girls showing their dolls and complimenting on the clothes they had received.
As per tradition, by 1.00 p.m. my aunts, uncles and cousins had all arrived bringing presents to celebrate. Once everyone had arrived, the children were sent outside to play and the adults stayed inside talking grown folks business. As children, we didn't care about much more than play time, dinner time, and more play time. We knew nothing about the grownup world.
"You children come wash your hands, its time to eat," my auntie hollered from the window.
We were all excited as we crowded into the small kitchen. "Greetings from Students Abroad" was playing on the radio. We all patiently waited to hear my brother Denton speak from overseas.
The younger children were instructed to sit at the beautifully decorated kitchen table, while the older children would sit on mineral boxes and the adults stood. Everyone was waiting to indulge in the feast that my mother and grandmother had prepared.
Finally, the colourful bottles of minerals were placed on the table, not to be touched by the children until all assignments were completed; the food was ready to be blessed; and a prayer of thanks was given in remembrance of Jesus' birthday.
At last, the big event had arrived. It was officially Christmas!
After we ate, the grown ups cleaned the kitchen while us children went outside to play with our toys. Some of the boys were already engaged in a game of alleys (marbles), while Juliann, Karen and friends were playing I spy with my little eye. As we played, we saw Uncle Clements and his friends headed toward our house to visit the adults and to indulge in some holiday cheer.
Everyone was so full of excitement; this was a day that brought out the best in everyone.
The next day was Boxing Day — another holiday, and everyone had their own agenda. The older cousins were going to the football game or riding on their mobylettes with their friends, while others were going to visit friends and extended family. My brothers and I were going to St. George's with my father to visit his family and then on to the movies with our cousins.
At the end of the day, we all returned to The Cart Road to shoot the breeze. The adults were sitting outside chatting when we heard it. We knew that sound. It was getting closer. Finally, we saw it at the beginning of The Cart Road - "Bum Bum Bum." What a beautiful array of colours - the younger kids became frightened and ran into the house.
The Gombeys had arrived!
That evening we were treated to Christmas pudding or some candy from the Eaton's box and a glass of eggnog. As it grew dark, all the children dispersed into their houses, while the grownups were still talking. As we prepared for bed, I prayed that next year this day would be a repeat of this year, with family and friends and more presents. What an enjoyable day!
