CHRISTMAS CAYMANLIVING.KY SHOP LIVING.KY’S SURYA COLLECTION A WIDE SELECTION OF BEAUTIFUL IN-STOCK CUSHIONS, POUFS, RUGS, RUNNERS, ACCENTS, MIRRORS, ART, AND LIGHTING. • • • 24 PASADORA PLACE, SMITH ROAD GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN WWW.LIVING.KY (345) 233-8700 IN STOCK!Christmas in Cayman 1 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021 As we celebrate the most joyous time of the year, here are 12 reasons to celebrate and be grateful this festive season in the Cayman Islands. Merry Christmas CaymanChristmas in Cayman 2 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021 Wellness is the greatest gift of all. At Doctors Hospital, we are committed to delivering exceptional, private healthcare with one focus in mind – you. We go beyond traditional medicine to bring you tailored, holistic programs that empower you to take control of your health to live a happier, healthier, and longer life. We wish you and yours all the best of the season and health and happiness for years to come.Christmas in Cayman 3 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021Christmas in Cayman 4 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021 Compass Centre, 319 Shedden Road, George Town, PO Box 1365, Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands. Publisher Kathleen Capetta Christmas in Cayman Editor Laura Munyard Durston Contributing writers Laura Munyard Durston Jenny Gabruch Catherine MacGillivray Graphic Design (editorial) Beth Ormerod Graphic Design (advertisements) Taneos Ramsay Head of Sales Cheryl Birch-Gillies Sales and Development Consultant Peter Medwid Account Executives Dori Blair Ilse Dacker Shawna Marshall Cody Moore Eric Vincent Printed by Compass Media Photo: Taneos Ramsay P1 P6 P8 P10 P12 P14 P18 P20 P24 P26 P28 P30 Contents MERRY CHRISTMAS CAYMAN Reasons to be grateful this festive season. OLD FASHIONED WHITE (SAND) CHRISTMAS ‘Backing sand’, a Caymanian Christmas tradition. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS UP IN CAYMAN Cayman’s famous light displays bring Christmas cheer. LOCAL GIFTING MADE EASY Support the Cayman community with locally made gifts. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS What’s on this festive season. THE GOVERNOR AT CHRISTMAS Martyn Roper reflects on this special time of year. A CAYMANKIND CHRISTMAS How to give back this Christmastime. HOLIDAY FAVOURITES Camana Bay’s tree, and Celebrations’ Christmas store. HOLIDAY PHOTOGRAPHY Smartphone tips from Heather Holt. SERVING UP CAYMANIAN SIDES Purple potato salad and Caymanian style cornbread. OH CHRISTMAS TREE Tree decoration tips from Celebrations. SPOTTING SANTA THIS CHRISTMAS A few places to catch Santa this season. CHRISTMAS CAYMANChristmas in Cayman 5 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021Christmas in Cayman 6 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021 An old-fashioned white (sand) Christmas I n days gone by, Caymanians created their very own winter wonderland – a glistening white sand yard. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, families would go to the nearest beach on moonlit nights, scoop up sand in thatch baskets or buckets, and carry it back to their yard, a custom known as ‘backing sand’. The sand was divided into piles, and on Christmas Eve morning it was swept to create a sparkling white sand yard. Pretty pink conch shells were collected to line the footpath to the front door, adding to the festive décor. The sand yard and garden would often feature ornamental plants with vibrant blossoms, including plants sporting tiny red flowers that would emerge only in December. Youngsters would also gather pieces of broken crockery or bottles to stick in the sand to make ‘moonshine babies’. When the light of the moon reflected on the glass, the shimmering colours served as the islands’ first Christmas lights. FEASTING AND FELLOWSHIP Feasting was a big part of the holiday celebrations, and there was always an abundance of food on the table at this time of year. Families splurged on beef at Christmas – a rare, once-a-year treat for many. Christmas beef, heavy cakes and sweetened sorrel drink were all favourites – and still are today – in the holiday feast. Carols were sung throughout the islands. In yesteryear, Caymanians would take part in a tradition known as ‘marching’, where people would ‘march’ from home to home in their district, singing carols and playing instruments. Kitchen band dances would be held in small kitchens, where family and friends would gather inside to listen to traditional instruments such as the fiddle, kitchen grater and maracas. CHURCH SERVICES Churches in each district organised Christmas concerts, with children participating by reciting poems or taking part in a skit or play. The church figured prominently in these times, and everyone would attend services dressed in their new Christmas clothes, hats and shoes. In days gone by, men often left the island to go to sea to earn a living. Many would return to be with their families for the holidays, making it a highly- anticipated and special occasion in Cayman – as it remains today.Christmas in Cayman 7 FRIDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2021Next >