THE real Christmas celebrations for the Ramroop family began about eight years ago. One evening their dad Eustace Ramroop aka ‘Raj’ arrived home with a Christmas tree and a few drinks below his belt. And so their love affair with the Christmas season began.

His two children, 19-year-old Laleta Ramroop and Kemraj Ramroop, 21, together shared their memories and experiences at Christmas. They explained that most of the decorations are put up in November. This is done early in order to allow other important things to be taken care of closer to Christmas.

“On Christmas Eve we would light up the house. Mom would cook Pepperpot and on Christmas morning the balloons would be hung. On Christmas day, gadgets rule. The entire family comes together and gifts are exchanged. “The first thing we do when we awake is to head straight to the kitchen for the Pepperpot. After eating, we open gifts then spend time together. No one goes out that day. Despite this, gadgets are constantly in use especially the cell phone,” Laleta said.

“Our mom likes to try out new things for Christmas meals. Once she cooked pizza and another time she made lasagna. We assist her but mostly keep her company because she loves cooking and is an excellent cook.”

“Christmas is our dad’s favourite holiday. He loves Christmas. He goes all out for this season. We don’t know what drives him but his Christmas mood ignites the Christmas joy in all his children. He does the decorating himself and does most of the shopping.

He is a perfectionist. Everything has to be just right. He is also old fashioned and does not use too many gadgets. If anyone makes a joke and ask him ‘Raj what yo giving me fo Christmas,’ he would buy that person a gift. That’s the type of person he is and the kind of Christmas spirit he possesses,” man’s children related.

“On Boxing Day relatives and friends stop-by and the real fun begins. No alcohol is allowed on Christmas Day but on Boxing Day, its every man for himself. Drinking sometimes goes on all day: Adults only. Mom cooks for everyone. The children head for their friends to chill out and lime,” they said.

These two young people Laleta and Kemraj did not wish for any material things for the holidays. They seem content in the joy and unity of their family at this special time of year.