IN the Caribbean, we view the holidays differently in some homes. I was introduced to two interpretations of this religious story: one identifying Osiris, the god of Kemet, as the root of the Christ story, and the other told to me by Christian priests. Some things, as a child, faded away until much later, but both my father and godfather emphasised that work embraced and presented as gifts—especially Christmas gifts, like a contract to fix an impediment that disturbs the tranquillity of the home, such as a plumbing misfortune, or a kitchen safe or bed promised to be constructed and delivered for the holidays—embodies a commitment that envelopes the execution of expectations in a family context that is almost sacred to the balance of the family.

One example is the passing of a year of enduring inadequate home facilities that are sworn to be fixed at Christmas. To this day, I do not quite comprehend how the readjustments of home fixtures become attached to the celebration of the Christmas atmosphere and content, but it does— even today—where the significance to the mythos of Christmas is buried beneath the enticement of merchandise, which, of course, can be interpreted as the blessing of one’s efforts, matters not how done and, further, at what cost to the human or natural environment. This is often ignored, be it human or otherwise.

The intellect seems no longer a valuable inner self. But then again, not much is reflected in what occurs and what we should explore. That is where the sciences step in, but that requires another discussion of exploring culture and the inner realms of how we presume our entitlements against our responsibilities—a process that, for many of us, began in childhood or through aspects of our nature. With me, my bed had to be made up before tea could be embraced. It became a good habit down the road where life beckoned, especially during my bachelor days—the dual responsibility of self versus duty.

Christmas teaches us to observe. If we want to leave our offspring a society sustained by exemplary collective value systems, we can begin by exploring the drivers that crush so many animals, say, on Stone Avenue, among other social questions that pass us by every day. Would they worry if it were humans?

Enjoy the remainder of the season, on to 2026. Nurture the inner attention to explore…