SOME PEOPLE CAME from New York, while others flew in from London.
Some came alone. Some travelled in twos and others in a family groups.
And yesterday they all shared the same thinking as they stepped through the Arrivals Hall of the Grantley Adams International Airport: there’s no place like home and no season like Christmas.
They will be enjoying elements of a traditional Bajan Christmas – sampling baked ham and pork, rum punch, black cake and sorrel drink; going to midnight Mass and to church at 5 a.m., dressing up and showing off their finery in Queen’s Park.
Yesterday, amidst the chatter and laughter, the WEEKEND NATION caught up with some at the airport to find out exactly how it felt to be home for Christmas. Many admitted it was “the best feeling ever”. Andrew Lashley, who was last in the island around this time two years ago, could not hide his excitement. The New York resident said he plans “to have lots of fun”.
On the last visit he stayed in St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church, partied, enjoyed the beach and spent time with his family. “I am looking forward to eating some flying fish and some breadfruit and ground provisions,” he pointed out.
Seven members of the Barker/Archer/Jones family who flew in from the United States and England huddled in a corner, participating in a catch-up session and then planning their big Christmas family reunion.
Included in the group was Dr Harriett Barker, professor at a New York College, who was happy that the family will be having a Christmas lunch in Barbados after many years.
“I am so happy to be home with all of my sisters and nieces,” she said. “This is the first time that we are home together spending Christmas in like 25 or so years.
We plan to do everything as we enjoy Barbados.”
Her sister Esther Archer, also from New York, said she was looking forward to going to church Christmas morning and attending the traditional session in Queen’s Park.
She spoke of the family’s planned “big luncheon” and her own plan to visit the beach to soak up some sun before leaving the island.
“I don’t want to get black (heavily tanned) before Christmas, but after Christmas I am going to the beach. I have to go to the beach and enjoy the sun. I love to be black when I go back (home). I am talking real black; I like to be burnt,” said Archer.
Stephan Barrow, who is studying in Canada, pointed out: “I came home for Christmas and I’m going back to school just now. I’m happy to be back home in the sunshine.”
As he assisted his father in putting his suitcases in the family car, Barrow said, “I am glad for this weather because right now it is very cold in Canada. I left Canada in a T-shirt and a hoody and a jacket, all of which went into my luggage when I got home.”
Tanisha Stuart, also studying in Canada, expressed her gratitude to be home as she hugged her mother and younger brother.
“I am just excited to see all of my friends and family,” she commented. “I plan to spend time with my family and friends, enjoy some of my mom’s home-cooked food. I am really looking forward to the little time I am going to be home.” (AH)