What JAMAICANS Do for CHRISTMAS. The Origins of Christmas in Jamaica.

[@donovancameron2867]

Jamaica is so special, believe me 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@MakingSenseOfJamaica]

You are a true Jamaican scholar! It's high time that one of our institutions of higher learning awards you an honorary degree in Jamaican Studies.

[@ericpkingston1327]

no degree is needed... but the lady is really nice. Dont get ahead of your novelty self...

[@enlightenme7105]

What???? Are you for real? You could have researched all that yourself. She read her script which she most probable plagiarised by going to the library or Google. So stop elevating this pirate!

[@ericpkingston1327]

@enlightenme7105 dont let every know you dont read .....

[@MakingSenseOfJamaica]

@@enlightenme7105 Researching is work. Researching accurately can be hard work. Researching both accurately and deeply can be very hard work. Researching accurately and deeply and then reporting materially can be extremely hard work. I give props to those who work hard and get good results. I don't think Irina means you, me or anyone else any harm. She shows her appreciation for us by making an effort to contribute to our island her way. She tries. Lastly, as someone who was born and raised abroad, I was not always welcomed by the "majority demographic" group in Canada...to put it mildly. Since I spend the first half of my life in her position, I have to be sensitive to minorities. Irina not only chose Jamaica but chose to use KZbin to not only promote our island but to promote understanding of it. I hope that enlightens you as to where I stand.

[@andrewriley4990]

@@enlightenme7105 That was totally uncalled for.....can't see what she's doing wrong, she did the work by going to the library or as you suggested Google and shared it with us, valuable information which I myself being too busy with life's more pressing activities to go look up, and for you to have the audacity to condescend on this woman, all because she's not a JAMAICAN national, just shows you up as a dumb ass clown.....of course she looked it up, but that's not the point she made a presentation of it, for us to enjoy which was both informative and entertaining, perhaps as your name suggest @enlightenme you need to be " ENLIGNTENED " you're such a dam moron ! 🤔🤔🤔

[@Rockyteer2011]

A lot of people in the Jamaican Diaspora make an effort to go home to celebrate Christmas in Jamaica because it’s just not the same overseas . They return home to spend the holidays with their families and friends . You can feel the difference in the air as you noticed and the nostalgia for the familiar is a huge pull .

[@doreenDouglas-cb6mw]

Wonderful presentation. I learned a lot. I wish I was in Jamaica. Nothing can replace that.

[@malrich7429]

I thought I knew everything about Christmas in Jamaica, but I was enlightened with new historical information.

[@joanbrown4929]

Christmas in Jamaica is always the best! Great food, friends, church, family Togetherness wow!❤

[@lindelmccormack1660]

Three more Christmas favorites in Jamaica. Red Lable wine, rum punch. and ginger beer.

[@kellyandrews8161]

What bout sorrel and redstipe.

[@RobertHenderson-w9n]

Fruit cakes 🎂

[@rocmon]

What a pleasant holiday update! You look lovely Irena, blessings!🎉

[@maxmboothe1957]

@@rocmon I searched for this comment. She does look lovely

[@enlightenme7105]

Irena the spy needs to go back to Ukraine. Where she belongs. Please convince her to return.. Thank you

[@dorindaconley2593]

I love how you cover the history.

[@beijaflor1492]

brilliant, absolutely well informative & presented London England

[@carlrobinson2283]

Another educational moments for most Jamaicans. Once again, thank you for your outstanding investigative journalism.

[@faithm2535]

As a child, I recall more homes with Christmas lights outside, especially on living willow trees in front gardens that were shaped to look like Christmas trees. Probably another consequence of the highly inflated electricity prices.

[@faithm2535]

@JAMAICAWITHIRIE Thank you for using the more appropriate descriptive adjective “enslaved” versus the more commonly used noun “slave”. Language influences perception, and ultimately culture and mindset. Wish you and yours blessings for the coming year. 24 was a challenge for many.

[@enlightenme7105]

Enslaved and Slave same thing no matter how this pirate wants to pretty it up.

[@ramassesskaggs8294]

Merry Christmas to you Irena Jamaican style. The feeling of Christmas in Jamaica is alive and it is all about family time and togetherness.

[@enlightenme7105]

So Irena should go back to her country of Ukraine where she can enjoy Christmas with her family. And stay there!!!

[@trevorsteer7331]

@@enlightenme7105 Your name is sure IRONIC....YOU need some ENLIGHTENMENT. Question, are you Jamaican? You sure do NOT sound like one....especially at this time of year. Not only is she a LEGAL RESIDENT of Jamaica, but so is her Family....and NOW she is OUR JAMAICAN Family as well. Grow up then "Guh weh" wid yuh hatred

[@enlightenme7105]

@trevorsteer7331 I guess you have never travelled outside of Jamaica.. These ppl don't want you.. They want your culture. Bout she is "your family now". Ah yuh need fi guh weh wid yuh f0olish chat and stop big up di colonisers dem. Yuh really think seh dem ah big yuh up in Ukraine?? Dem don't like or respect yuh. Wake up and stop mek dem fool yuh..

[@pirving390]

We rebuke you satan in Jesus name.. go back to hell where you are fro m​. Get off the lady's channel. You dark and ignorant dumb dumb@@enlightenme7105

[@ramassesskaggs8294]

@enlightenme7105 no one mentioned that Irena should go back to her country, why are you people so narrow minded?

[@florencechin6509]

Wonderful Tribute to Christmas and Jamaica❗️🎄🇯🇲 Beautifully done with so much Love❗️ Thank you Jamaica Irie! You're a real Yardie now❗️ Merry Christmas❗️🇯🇲

[@carolfarquharson-smith3650]

Excellent review of Jamaica Christmas culture. You never disappoint. Happy holiday

[@normanfl6592]

Seasons Greetings Irena.❤️❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@delroylawford3282]

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to you and your entire family. Thank you very much for another informative and educational video. We should grant you a unique Jamaican title for your very useful videos of the rock. Please continue the good work and thank you again.

[@jacquelinesalusso9940]

Carol of the Bells is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. 🥰🎄🥰 We appreciate all that you do, happy Boxing Day and I hope the rest of your holiday season goes just fabulous for you and your family.

[@kellyandrews8161]

Happy boxing day and Merry Christmas to you and all of Jamaica and the world.

[@chelseaclinton4535]

Happy Holidays Irena💯❤️❤️🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@donovancameron2867]

Roast beef is big in Jamaica too 🇯🇲👍

[@donnapbrice]

Season Greetings Irina!💖 Thanks for the great video

[@kellyandrews8161]

Irena, you like many Jamaicans are great story tellers. Jamaicans are good at chatting about the past. Merry Christmas.

[@rosemelville6502]

Iris, I left Jamaica a long time ago, but I can still remember sugar canes blooming at the end of November early December. The blossoms actually waved in the Cool breeze that you spoke off. There was also a plum that people in Clarendon called coolie plum that usually ripes in early December, I don’t know if this fruit still exists or it was only in Clarendon.

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Coolie plum is all over Jamaica. It also goes by other names around the world and only in Jamaica is it called coolie plum.

[@noblegirl1991]

What is it called elsewhere ​@@lawrencedavidson6195

[@andrewriley4990]

This was truly a breath of fresh air......being a JAMAICAN living abroad myself it totally brought back pleasant memories of growing up in JAMAICA as a kid, I'm truly impressed at your extensive knowledge of our culture and country, and in my book you are absolutely a honourary JAMAICAN....awesome post and thanks for sharing

[@enlightenme7105]

😂😂😂😂Extensive knowledge????? All she did was take Jmaican culture and sell it back to Jamaicans😂 you could have done that yourself. Irena need to tell us the real story of her country Ukraine.. And where blk ppl are concerned believe me it is not pretty. Irena stop pretending!!!

[@trevorbailey1448]

Another spectacular video 😊

[@glenmcdaniel]

You are such a fount of knowledge. Thank you

[@delroylawford3282]

@@trevorbailey1448 Very true 👍

[@trevorbailey1448]

@delroylawford3282 i enjoy her work and the effort put into every video , both entertaining and educational.

[@michelle76678]

Thanks for such a lovely video about my country checking in from Australia

[@anthonyhutchinson77]

I have to say thank you again for your really interesting contributions to our living culture! I went to night market having learned of its existence from you... planned to wait till after 8 to meet you but was too tired. Your contributions are EXCELLENT... your research thorough and the sincerity of your gift for presenting the various recordings is simply magical, given its realism and high quality. Thank you again for your documentation of cultural aspects of our beloved country... One love.

[@enlightenme7105]

😂😂😂😂😂😂BOT

[@devonwilliams4677]

Another gem from my home girl, Jamaica 🇯🇲 with "Irie" Irine.

[@icildapassley531]

Thank you for the update on Jamaica ❤❤❤😮😮😮

[@nelliecurrie5625]

Mama's Christmas cake. Walking the plazas uptown on Christmas Eve, the carols, vendors, toys and inflated balloons everywhere, the crisp air. Getting up to go to church for 6 a.m service. Oh the memories. 😊

[@wisdomcalls-u3f]

Hello IRIE: I just want to let you know that you are very much appreciated. I am Jamaican living in the U.S. for the moment. I watch your presentations all the time. Just keep in mind that many of us love you and appreciate what you do. CNF

[@fitzroysmith153]

I am currently listening to your video while visiting Jamaica for the holidays. Very informative information.

[@marviabrown6119]

Thank you for sharing Jamaica 🇯🇲 true origination and meaning of Christmas.

[@topazedwards-campbell9235]

What about curry goat, soup Manish water, red peas soup, chicken soup, jerk chicken, and curry chicken? These are staple Christmas meals.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

you're totally right and these meals are indeed cooked for Christmas! In fact, there is an entire list of foods cooked for Christmas, but the difference is - they are also cooked all year around, not just at Christmas, so I only included stuff that is mostly specific to Christmas only and not used as much on other days.

[@Genuinepleather]

Yes it's a small buffet but there is no point in mentioning every single Jamaican food that we also eat throughout the year.

[@rubylimey7614]

This made me teary eye since the elders in my family have all passed on. This use to be such a joyous time but life goes on😪🙏🙏🙏

[@tamisum]

Merry Christmas Irena, thank you for all your Hard work and lovely & informative videos.... it was truly a great gift when you moved here😊

[@trooth9066]

You can’t beat Christmas in Jamaica

[@ragamuffinhooligan4019]

Each & every of the English speaking Caribbean territory thinks that their Christmas celebration is the best! Mih nah joke. 😅🇬🇾

[@pinkbanton4383]

Wow !!! Great history ,love the vidio . Merry christmas to you and family. God bless.

[@donovancameron2867]

Merry Christmas Irene 🎄❤

[@WildFlowerNetworkTV]

Merry Christmas every one.

[@juliaforjustice505]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@patriciamharris5664]

What a lovely video!❤

[@oissemarsh4818]

Merry Christmas to and your family

[@KattahB]

So many connections to SLAVERY! So many connections to Africa! Traditions that have remained and will continue to remain! As a Jamaican...mi nuh want it nuh oddah whey! GREAT research! Yes, the JA Ham is delicious!🎉🎉I ❤🇯🇲!!

[@ochinski3568]

This is so wholesome 😃🥲❤ Thanks much for making this insightful video 🥰

[@djcashmix]

We luv all your videos Hppy holidays 🎉❤🇯🇲

[@gervanmyers3066]

Christmas seasons for the children of JAMAICA are their happiness Memories.

[@rednaxelaguitar]

Thanks for the history. Have an IRIE Christmas!!

[@manleygreen5678]

Thanks. I enjoy listening to your Christmas Video.

[@vandasutherland6640]

Lol Jamaican take Christmas cleaning to a next level lol

[@delroylawford3282]

@@vandasutherland6640 True, true!!!

[@garnettewilliams5765]

Thank you ❤I miss Christmas in Jamaica 🇯🇲 I haven’t been in over 30 years thank you for that video

[@Cowboy-pb3mt]

Thank you for your informative videos, I'm a jamaican and age 83 living in England now, you keep enlightening me on things that I knew and took for granted but didn't know the history of I really miss Christmas in Jamaica.

[@philbek9055]

Family, neighbours and close friends gather. There is a lot of camaraderie and friendly exchanges. In schools, teachers have class parties with their students. And there's a staff dinner and "pixie" gift exchanges. Jamaican Christmas food ALSO includes macaroni and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, jerked chicken, escoveitched fish and potato salad. Rum punch is a must. Excellent presentation. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thank you, Irina. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@Happey67]

I have never seen Mac and Cheese when I was a child in Jamaica. Candied yams, you are telling tales. LOL

[@debbypurcell6215]

Candied what? Potato salad, baked Mac and cheese, tossed salad.

[@shawn35jac]

So nice to see the history of Christmas in Jamaica. I’m in the US and sitting here watching this video and eating black cake as we speak😂😊

[@altonbailey4821]

Irena you are doing a great job keep up the good work! Godspeed Merry Christmas 🎄.

[@ClaireSmith-i7j]

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 and a happy New Year 🍾

[@ruocqualwilson7256]

Happy holiday 🎉 Irina hope you have a great and blessed day

[@hutchinsonjohnson2909]

Big up your self Irie merry Christmas to and family

[@CarlosCampbell-d7b]

Good morning good work keep it up may God 🙏🙏 bless you on your family long life

[@elainejenkins590]

Happy Holidays love from Detroit Michigan

[@trevorsteer7331]

@elainejenks590...Big Up (and Merry Christmas) from Detroit (Ypsilanti) also

[@876beauty10]

Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year to you Irena and Family🎄♥️

[@marthakidd8737]

I love you Irie❤😊

[@nofran879]

Well done, Irena, happy holidays.

[@peppermorrison6644]

Present and wishing you and the channel success and prosperity for 2025.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@NatashaFerguson39]

I’m studying Reparatory Justice at UWI and recently learned of the Christmas Rebellion in Jamaica and have been facsinated since. This video and your channel is a reflection of the importtance of telling Jamaica’s story and truth our way. Love you and your channel Irie!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you for sharing! I was actually going to mention the uprising known as Christmas Rebellion, but couldn't find a way to blend it smoothly into the story here, so left it for a separate video.

[@Fan2zeal]

Merry Christmas to you, Irine! I always leave your vlogs feeling fulfilled with historical facts about Jamaica. ❤️ your work👍🇯🇲🎄🎁

[@waynegrant158]

Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@bobbalkovec]

Your videos are amazing and informative. My wife and I are REALLY considering retiring in Jamaica. Every video I watch of yours make me want to more and more. We've visited Negril and Lucea 4 yrs in a row, and it is my home away from home.

[@marvamahone8856]

you are a gift to Jamaica

[@donaldduncan6017]

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@G11713]

All the best for the coming new year, Mrs. Irina Bruce, you are an ongoing treasure to those who love Jamaica.

[@kwacou4279]

Merry Christmas ✝️

[@leepaulmctaggart9514]

I'm inspired by your videos

[@donovancameron2867]

Thank you so much Irene,may God continue to bless you and your family 🙏🙏🙏💯🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲❤️

[@HomeCentsWithNell]

Thanks so much for this informative video, Irina. I had no idea about Carol of the Bells!

[@NatureAdventureja]

Wow, I'm learning so much from this video! Thanks for sharing, and Merry Christmas 🎉🎉

[@larrysmith3102]

I couldn't find the black cake in the Caribbean farmers market in Atlanta this year. My whole family is here from Jamaica and we were a little disappointed..but lots of sorrel . I ordered the cake from Florida. l guess,the UPS was overwhelmed with the Christmas packages, hopefully, next year my black cake will be at the table in time 😁😁

[@orianafisher3960]

Merry Christmas Irina, i learned so much with your video, thank you! Im hoping to be in Jamaica during a Christmas season in the future❤❤

[@elgranjero2284]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Irina. Blessings

[@hephzibahbradshaw9509]

BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING.

[@evrolbrown7275]

Very nice as usual Happy Holidays

[@charleslewis8192]

Hello Irie! Merry Christmas. I truly enjoy your videos, they are well organized, thoroughly investigated and interesting because even I as a Jamaican living overseas, learn a lot from your videos. Please continue your great work. And may this upcoming new year brings peace and prosperity to your home country of Ukraine. Also, could you do video's on the progress of the Pinnacle in Montego Bay, the new all-inclusive resorts being built in Jamaica and the new pavilion in Morant Bay. Thanks in advance!

[@skipperlasl4637]

Awesome 🎉

[@nevillemortan5507]

You have a beautiful and charming way of describing things, big up y self gal.

[@carethwatson5469]

Hey Irina, happy holidays. All the best for the coming year, I learned so much from you, I am from Portland in Jamaica 🇯🇲 and I didn't know of this knowledge. Keep up the great work.

[@authore.lloydkelly-reading2044]

Well done, you've certainly done your homework. Thanks.❤

[@stevenforrest2699]

Merry Christmas!!!!

[@dennismalcolm6620]

ANOTHER GREAT JOB!!!!...IRIE 👍 👌 👏 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR 😀..

[@marciasassi8551]

Happy holidays to you Irina & family🥳🥂🥰

[@claudetteanderson2273]

Before Western Union which is fsirly new the post office was the where the registered letters with the christmas money were collected.

[@kattygabby3519]

Happy holidays Irena!!! Very information as always!🇯🇲🤶🏼🧑🏽‍🎄🇯🇲👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@geneivemorris5039]

❤❤❤ Very informative.

[@balmaineb4950]

Happy holidays to you and family God's continued blessings ❤

[@PC-zg3eo]

My mother used to make both the cake and the plum pudding. The plum pudding is steamed while the cake is baked.

[@chrisper7527]

Irina, I wish you had mentioned the displaying of the Christmas trees outdoors, which are evergreen trees planted in front of homes, waiting to be lavishly decorated. It was a Christmas tradition to go on evening walks to see the trees, resplendent with their finery. We used to “judge” which houses had the best display, and neighbors usually tried to outdo each other. Wonderful memories.🇺🇸🇯🇲

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you! Ah, well, I completely avoided the story of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and other decorations, as they deserve a video of their own. Planning to do that for next Christmas!

[@InfoSpectrum876]

Happy holidays Irena. Thanks for bringing these gems to the forefront. You have been doing great content, and you're appreciated for it. Here's to wishing you a very prosperous 2025 🎉🎊

[@patsyyona5802]

My favorite thing about the Jamaican Christmas was a wonderful sense of celebration that was not commercial. It is difficult to describe but there was a sense of holiness that would last until boxing day when the partying would start.😅

[@patriciaedwards5834]

Very informative and engaging videos on Christmas in Jamaica.. We do love our Christmas!

[@alphansoblake]

I always find foreigners views of Jamaica very interesting we need more immigrants to live in Jamaica why because a lot of Jamaicans do not appreciate our own culture so let person who want to migrate to America and more migrants please come live in Jamaica

[@tdot-rt1yt]

Be careful what you wish for, eventually they will push you and your own kind out, look at South Africa. Snm

[@trevorsteer7331]

@alphansoblake, I will agree that "in the past", we never used to appreciate our Culture; but that is changing. Also. I find that this is a "similar trait" with people GLOBALLY within their own Countries, because people take things for granted that they are familiar with. With that said, I am seeing Jamaicans being more and more aware of the AWESOMENESS of Jamaica and our Culture. Yes, it is taking "Foreigners" to open eyes of some of us to this; but we are opening our eyes and appreciating what we are seeing.

[@E.Z.Walker3693]

Great work

[@honeyg1018]

I left Jamaica as a child and so I’ve never went to a grant market or had a glazed ham for Christmas. I’m not familiar with those traditions. However, I’m familiar with everything else you mentioned.