For many Jamaicans, Christmas is a special time of the year to spend with family and friends. They also spend an extensive amount of time preparing for this big day by shopping, cleaning and meal preparation.

While the holiday is not unique to Jamaicans, their Christmas Day traditions are what sets them apart from other countries.

Christmas breakfast

For many Jamaicans breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for the festive season.

The day typically start with a delicious breakfast such as the national dish of the island – ackee and salt fish paired with boiled banana and dumpling.

Church service

An important part of Christmas Day is going to church with family members who are decked out in their Sunday best.

The Sunday sermon is typically centred around the birth of Jesus Christ and involves the singing of Christmas carols.

Christmas feast

After church, many Jamaicans typically venture home to prepare their Christmas dinner which includes the traditional gungo peas and rice, baked ham, curried goat, oxtail, potato salad topped off with a refreshing glass of sorrel.

For many Jamaicans, the most important part of the Christmas dinner is the dessert which typically includes a slice of fruitcake or black cake that is made from fruits soaked in rum from a year before.

A slice of fruit cake and glass of sorrel served as dessert. This dessert is enjoyed throughout the holiday and is often offered to anyone who may visit during the holiday.

Family reunion

Families typically bond during the holidays at Christmas dinner. From meal preparation to the dinner table, this is typically a time for bonding through conversation.

Family members living overseas often visit for the holiday and this time is typically used to catch up with family members.

In rural Jamaica, some families offer food to their neighbours or the less fortunate in their communities.

Christmas gatherings

Music is a central part of the Jamaican culture and Christmas events are a popular during this time of the year.

These events are typically held in local town centres and often features sound systems, the sale of food and beverages, which keep Jamaicans entertained during the festive season.