Christmas Edition

DECEMBER, 2022

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hristmas occupies a special place in the hearts of Bajans and Caribbean people alike.

There are several similarities between the islands from as far north as the Bahamas to the southern island of Trinidad and Tobago. It may look very different to those who are used to a ‘white Christmas’. In the Caribbean, the sun shines bright, the climate is cool, and clear blue skies rule the day. Like many other parts of the world, the Christmas season is also referred to as the Holiday Season depending on where you are as well as your religious or cultural practices. In the Caribbean we are all united in the feast that is prepared to celebrate one of the most significant events on the Christian calendar, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

In most of the islands the Christmas Day meal would include, peas and rice, ham, turkey, jug jug, great cake - also known as Christmas cake made from fruits soaked in rum for weeks if not the entire year -. The meal is not complete unless there is sorrel, a drink made from the sorrel plant.

is a celebration called Nine Mornings. The idea behind the Nine Mornings Festival is to go to the beach after early mass then head into town to catch whatever concert or recitals there may be. It slowly grew into a full on street party and the rest is history.

In Barbados however, things are a little different, one can quickly tell that Christmas is approaching by observing activities in the neighborhood. The observer will notice that homes are ‘picked down’ that is, curtains have been taken down and they remain down until Christmas Eve. Cushions and living room furniture are packed to one side of the house. The exterior of most homes would be given a fresh coat of paint, or power washed, lawns are being cut and trees trimmed.

The sprucing up suggests an expectancy of the arrival of an important person or event which must be completed by a deadline.

You might not find chestnuts, but the intoxicating smell of delicious food is definitely on the Caribbean menu. Tasty pork dishes are the centerpiece of many Caribbean Christmas feasts. Warm weather and large family gatherings make the perfect setting for the special meal. There’s no While there are several similarities, there shortage of festive decoration here in the are some unique features in some of the Caribbean. Lights twinkle from port to port, islands. In Trinidad and Tobago there is a wrapped around tall palms and adorning the unique tradition called ‘Parang’. It is played façades of pastel buildings. There is nothing and sung at Christmas time, usually in like Christmas in the Caribbean.

Spanish. Informal singing groups go around serenading communities using horns, the Maybe it’s already too late for you to trade steel drum, pots, pans and so many other snow for sand. Christmas in all the islands is types of instruments to make music. a festive one, filled with cheer and festivities, take in as much as you can, enjoy and have a In St. Vincent the tradition is to go house Merry Christmas from Team Advo. to house sharing food with neighbors. There

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TEN THINGS TO OVECOME THE HOLIDAY BLUES Dr. Derek Berry Thorpe

When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad…

I just simply remember my favorite things, and then I don’t feel, so bad.

Oscar Hammerstein II

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ransient depression around the Christmas and holiday season is a tangible thing around the globe. What is packaged as the happiest time of the year by the media, is for many a season where the feeling of aloneness and anxiety is more acute. This mental health consideration is often overlooked and can be mistaken for its cousin; Seasonal affective disorder, where the decreased exposure to sunlight can affect one’s circadian rhythm, ushering a state of melancholy malaise.

If one happens to live in a country where sunset can vary by as much as six hours, the disruption in your serotonin, melatonin and vitamin D levels

can make this holiday transient depression even more difficult to manage.

The pressures of adult daily living, between each bene diction of ‘Merry Christmas’ and ‘Happy New Year’ can present a challenge. Does anyone really care of the spouse that was lost to either death or divorce ? Or that your bank account has been decimated from the chronic disease you’re suffering from. Many readily admit, the font of joy at Christmas spring from the eyes of the children… your own children perhaps. But the fracture of a family, or the anxiety surrounding toxic traits knitted into negative family dynamics is often the source of much discontent around the holiday season.

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days on the calendar which you are not required to We all make assumptions of other people’s subscribe to. happiness, but the fact is, this assumption is usually very wrong. We think the smiles of our friends in photos 7. Try not to be too hard on yourself for not or on the sidewalks are reliable badges of permanent achieving the goals you set out to attain in this year but membership in the club of happiness, but we fail to use the hope for next year to balm your emotions and appreciate other people wear the same ‘masks’ to hide be excited to learn new skills. Plan for a trip overseas to their own personal pain. reconnect with a family member or friend.

Here are Ten things you can do to effectively overcome the holiday blues.

8. Have a serious plan when family members you’ve had previous negative experiences with 1. If your geographic location makes you prone are going to be in your space. Greet them with an to Seasonal Affective Disorder, make it a point to exaggerated smile/hug initially then avoid further either expose yourself to more natural sunlight or contact or arguments for the rest of the engagement. invest in artificial lighting in the home that can mimic Limit your time spent at this gathering if your anxiety the healthy wavelength range. Take more Vitamin D becomes overwhelming by leaving via a built-in excuse and Melatonin supplements to fortify the fall off in to the host. hormones levels.

9. Gift yourself a pet of your choice. A dog or cat 2. Be self-aware. Understand that loneliness is around the holiday season can channel your energy an acceptable feeling in the human experience and away from the feelings of loss or guilt and redirect that you’re definitely not the only passenger on that ship. love and attention in a special new bond.

Acknowledge the emotion and try to dissect the precise cause of the despair.

10. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to guide you through rough waters. There is zero 3. Think outside of yourself. Know that many shame in this mature decision. of your friends maybe feeling the same way and deliberately reach out and touch them in the manner they would appreciate most. A call, a text or a visit may be appropriate.

4. Give the gift of yourself to strangers through service or volunteering to people in need. Overt charity can be an expression of your gratitude to what you already have in life and take for granted. Interacting with persons less fortunate will improve your mood through service.

5. Understand the negative power of social media at this time. Limit your use if you find jealousy of your Dr. Derek B Thorpe friend’s successes and perceived joy as you observe Dr. Thorpe is in nuclear medicine and functional medicine them electronically. Avoid comparing your peer’s physician with post graduate degrees from Cornell School of existence to your own.

Medicine and the University of Florida. He mentors clients through the ketogenic diet and treats pain and injury through

6. Lower expectations of what the holiday season optimization of blood flow. mongo505@hotmail.com should achieve to avoid disappointment. Just accept that Thanksgiving and Christmas are merely artificial

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THE CHALLENGE O FINDING THE PERF GIFT Gifts are not about how much you spend or how much other people admire them, but about how well you know and respond to people and their realities.

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his season as you make and a that you are really thinking ab stores are full, and people are be a rush to check off all the ite before Christmas.

It probably would not be as special if it were you have to know the recipient. You have to pa what they communicate, but what they do not co Gifts are not about how much you spend or them, but about how well you know and respond

In many cases, you have to ask questions. It i It is okay for your effort to be evident in this wa a surprise. The goal is to make people feel spec thought of, but truly seen.

Here are a few categories of people who may

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OF FECT

adjust your shopping lists, be sure think a little harder than usual. bout the recipients.Traffic is heavy, stressed as there always seems to FOR THE ‘SIGNIFICANT OTHERS’ ems on our lists in the three weeks For our intimate partners, these gifts ideas should always be easier…in Look for hints during the year, look for preferences. Easy popular finds would be perfume, easy. To do a good job of gifting, tech gadgets, jewelry, clothing, shoes and accessories. The first tip is to start ay attention to them and not only your shopping for partners early, not when there is more competition closer to ommunicate.

Christmas, we do not want to disappoint them and it gives more time to fix errors r how much other people admire or make exchanges. d to people and their realities.

Please don’t rely on memory, reconfirm shoes and dress sizes, look for the latest is okay to seek more information. upgrades to their tech gadgets, try new cologne scents from their favorite labels. ay. Every gift does not have to be cial and not only remembered or In the end however, thoughtfulness will always win-over your loved ones. Maybe their phone is outdated or damaged maybe they’ve been needing a new handbag simply new tires for their vehicles. Items of need are always more special and says y be on your list and making you that you were paying attention and that you care.

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FOR THOSE WHO HAVE EVERYTHING We often want to give a gift, just because. For those who are special to us and have likely helped us when we had nowhere else to turn, maybe without us even having to ask. They have everything, but we really want to acknowledge them and let them know that they are special to us and we are grateful to have them in our lives, gift-giving can result in those people having an abundance of junk.

FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL OFTEN Luggage is a must, and passport holders are a common gift, but what about all of the other necessities?

If the person does long-haul travel, consider putting together a comfort kit. This could include comfortable earphones, moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, comfortable socks, a reading light, an eye mask, and gum.

No one needs a twenty-third figurine to dust on cleaning days. Instead of desperately searching for a There are many ways to add a personal touch. generic item to wrap and pass off as thoughtfulness, Get the hand sanitizer in a scent they like. Make the take time to truly think about the person who has moisturizer yourself with shea butter, one of the many everything. What is valuable to them today? appropriate oils, and essential oils for a delightful scent. Pack it all in a small bag that can easily fit into For many people who have everything, it is time. a backpack, purse, or carry-on bag and is the person’s How can you give them time? Maybe a day of cleaning favorite colour or print. would give them the freedom to attend to other things.

What about errands? If they are not stuck in traffic during the busy weeks of the year, they may be able FOR THOSE WHO SPEND A LOT OF TIME to finish a few projects. If you do not have the time to WITH THEIR FAMILIES give yourself, consider paying someone else to do it.

There are some people who always seem to be FOR THOSE WHO ARE FINANCIALLY hanging out with their parents and/or children or STRUGGLING having get-togethers with extended family members.

Look for games that are fun to play and accommodate There is often a reluctance to give money. Some large groups of people. may think it is impersonal or does not demonstrate enough thought about who a person is and what they Reach for the puzzles, and even the old school toys would like. Some may fear judgment for the amount like hula hoops that can lead to more fun and laughter of money they choose or are able to give. than people have had in a long time.

Money, however, is the best gift for people who face If you are giving a gift to someone who hosts often, financial challenges. While gift certificates or paying consider serving trays, coasters, and comfortable a bill yourself may seem like a good idea, they are cushions and blankets for sprawling on the floor after limiting. a good meal.

Money that can only be spent in a grocery store cannot pay the electricity bill. Your payment of the FOR THOSE WHO ARE CAREGIVERS electricity bill does not keep the data service going which is required for work. Give money in a way that Taking care of another person or multiple people allows the recipient to make decisions about how it is on a full time basis is hard work. used.

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up an irrigation system would be highly valued.

It is often difficult, if not impossible, to take care of oneself under this circumstance. When there is time What item on their to-do list can you take care of? to spare, it is usually spent doing the most basic and It may be hiring someone to do basic landscaping at a the most critical tasks. time convenient to the new homeowner(s).

This means there is no time for massages, manicures, upkeep of the garden, or taking the car to get serviced.

In addition to looking for nearby spa specials you can take care of some of the things on the to-do list.

If you can, make it possible for them to experience pleasure. This could be a full day off or even 90 minutes per day for a week.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY SLEEPING

It could also be helping them to put together a gift registry that can be shared with family members and friends so well-intentioned people do not give them things they do not need.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING The holidays are a particularly difficult time for people who are grieving loved ones. It is always best to ask what would be helpful.

Some people may prefer to avoid all holiday-related They tell you how late they were up and most times topics and activities. Others may want to find ways to they depend on caffeine to stay alert. Are they having honour the deceased. difficulty concentrating every day? Insufficient sleep and low quality sleep can wreak havoc on people’s Maybe they would like your company as they select lives. flowers and then arrange them on the grave. Maybe they want to be able to talk about the person without Lavender oil, chamomile tea, and hot showers are other people getting uncomfortable or trying to go-tos. Think about ways they can be made more change the topic. effective. What about a diffuser so that the lavender scent fills the bedroom?

Everyone experiencing grief needs a support system. Find ways to help them to honour old Maybe it is time to switch to loose tea and a tea ball traditions or create new ones. If that means getting would be handy. How about shower steamers? Outside entirely new decorations, take that journey with of the box, maybe a sleep specialist would be helpful them. If they want to reserve a seat at the table for the as there may be medical issues that are preventing or deceased, communicate that with others and ensure interrupting sleep. that no one is disrespectful.

FOR THOSE WHO JUST MOVED INTO A NEW HOUSE This may be one of the busiest times of a person’s life. There are things that need to be fixed, boxes that need to be unpacked, items that need to be organized, budgets that need to be adjusted, neighbours to meet, and new responsibilities to take on.

You are now fully equipped to make the best purchase choices this season. Best of luck shopping!

Maybe they are ready to start a vegetable garden, so soil, shovels, seedlings, water cans, and someone to set

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From drab to fab!

Imagine walking into a bathroom and immediately feeling sick to your stomach because you’ve been transported to the 70s décor and it’s not the trendy kind you want to bring back. That’s what this bathroom looked like and it was in desperate need of a makeover. Emphasis on desperate!

Advo Magazine enlisted a happy home owner to walk us through the transformation. This homeowner was budget conscious and eagle eyed for deals all in an effort to do it herself.

So let’s begin the journey first they were the go-to tools which included gold spray paint, leftover paint salvaged from a previous reno, waterproof wall-paper and luxury vinyl flooring, which had to be professionally installed (the biggest splurge) The change started with installing light gray faux brick waterproof wallpaper to brighten the space up. It matched the light vinyl floors and the grey shelves used to replace the fixture over the toilet. Wanting to enhance the room a pop of color had to go in, so gold spray paint was added to change the white brackets under the grey shelves. Keeping with the golden theme, meant an addition of some glass jars bought from the dollar store, sprayed the covers gold, then used a hot glue gun to attach crystal-looking door pulls to the cover, as handles and to add rhinestonelooking fabric around the top for a unique look .

Next came the shelves these had to be decorated so the top shelf was enhanced with a faux potted plant. Spray painted the shelves in the corner of the wall by the sink area to hold ready-to-use items and keep as much usable counter space as possible.

Adding a shelving unit into the corner of the bathtub/

shower provided easy access to items most often used and keeps clutter to a minimum.

A change was made to the black matte fixtures, a beautiful, large rainfall shower head with a handheld feature replaced the old one and chose a matching tap for the sink, which also got some TLC: fresh coat of white paint! The final touch to complete the shower/tub area was a black matte tray for those nights when a relaxing bubble bath and a glass of wine by candlelight is needed.

The process involved a lot of spray paint, hot glue, and patience. The bathroom is small and doesn’t have a window, so it needed to be made more inviting and serene.

The transformation was awesome. The look is calming, bright and looks spacious. The room is modern and is now in the modern era. The homeowner is quite naturally ecstatic and the team at Advo thanks her hot sharing this Transformation with us and we hope it will inspire you to do the same if not now for the holidays but certainly in 2023.

Now that this project has been done so well she’s ready to take on another room in the house. So keep visiting us @ www.advomag.com for our Build Fix Finish edition in 2023.

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Advo Magazine features The Sylk Luxury Brand The Sylk Luxury Brand was born out of the need for spiritual comfort. You might ask whatever does that mean. Well; It’s owner says that at a particular time, feeling there was a decline in spiritual well being, there was a strong need to get back to worship. Being creative was the way through the challenging time and so some ten (10) or so years ago the journey began.

The jewelry pieces complement the latest fashion colors and styles creating affordable, handcrafted, wearable art with innovative designs. The pieces are versatile, can be worn with jeans, sportswear, a suit, a cocktail dress, evening wear, and even to a formal wedding.

Excellent gift items for both men and women The Sylk Luxury Brand also offers the hosting of Sylk Blingz Parties.

Who doesn’t like to pamper themselves?

Pampering can take many forms and for most women manicures are top of the list. It is a way of taking care of your nails but can and does improve your mood when you see those nails bedazzled with colour and design.

For the season treat yourself to a manicure.

Here are some styles to chose from: French tip Swirled lines Bedazzled Go neutral, soft tones or jazz it up with colour. When you go we guarantee that you will feel like you’ve won a million dollars.

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Christmas Trees W

hat are your decorating plans for this season. If you haven’t chosen a theme as yet the Advo team has some suggestions for you.

We are Caribbean people and we love color however some of us are traditional not venturing out or taking a radical plunge. So we share both the exotic and the traditional with you for you to make a decision.

Decorating can just be adding a tree, whether real or artificial. The real tree has its benefits and shortcomings, you have a tree for a short period of time and you have the scent of pine permeating your home throughout the season, the artificial tree is with you for life, stored and taken out as needed. What is your preference?

Colours for the tree can be tradition or exotic.

Red and gold, investing in these colours are great as this tradition has stood the test of time and is guaranteed to be on point year after year.

For glitz and glamour why not use gold and silver adding pearls with soft lighting, no colours. For those who are into sustainable decorations use paper and wooden decorations making your own and having your children included in the creation adds variety, absolutely no restrictions on colour.

We don’t have winter here but we can have a white tree decorate to your hearts content.

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Contact Us Today

Our Package

828-4416 Haynesview Drive Mount Standfast St. James Goldfieldsolar customercare@goldfieldsolar.com

FRIED TURKE Y REC IPE This could be an excellent alternative to those who don’t like baked turkey. Try this recipe for the season. A small turkey is needed 12 pounds or so

Ingredients

3 gallons of oil peanut oil preferably 1 turkey ( cleaned ) Seasoning Bajan style Onion Black pepper Salt Garlic

Method

Fill to medium height a large Cook for 45 minutes uncovered stock pan with oil. Heat to at until no longer pink and golden in colour. least 400 degrees.

Clean and rinse the turkey and Remove and drain . pat dry. Rub seasoning inside and out. Let sit for half hour to Use a thermometer to test core temperature, it should read at marinate least 165 degrees and no more Once oil temperature has been than 180 degrees reached turn off in preparation for placing the turkey . Turn Finally transfer turkey to a off heat then carefully place the platter to continue draining. turkey in the pot, in a basket if available. Turn the heat Once cooled slice and serve. on mainitinng a 350 degree Enjoy! temperature.

We believe in growing the right indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, hedges and trees. Beautifying your surrounding is our specialty whether residential or commercial.

CONTACT US TODAY 1-246-8320090

ABOUT US Located at Drax Hall, St George

FOR SALE

Welches Heights St Thomas 5 bed 4 bath, 7,527 sq ft $998,000

The Garden St James Family home 6 bed/4bath on 25,000 sq ft $1.6M

Wanstead, St. Michael 3 bed 2 bath 7,780 sq ft approx $400,000 negotiable

Mullins Terrace St Peter Property: Three townhouses US$525,000 - US 545,000

Breezy Hill St. Philip 3 bed 2 bath with 2 bed apt 6,007 sq ft $310,000 negotiable

caribbeanpropertiesltd@gmail.com All enquiries to (246) 253 6319/ 280-0023 or (246) 247 4469

Christmas to Me

By: Laurel Beckles Paul, Speech-Language Pathologist and Caleb Paul , Social Worker

“It’s a time of celebration and joy, a time to be surrounded by those we cherish and create lasting memories.”

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ure, who doesn’t love the presents, the food, the carols, the lights, the decorations and the merriment that Christmas time brings? It’s a time of year that people the world over eagerly look forward to. We love the feelings of warmth and excitement that comes with the holiday season but beyond the flicker of Christmas lights and the enticing aromas emanating from Christmas dinner, lies the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas throughout the world. Christmas is a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the one ahead. It’s a time to be thankful for all the blessings we have received throughout the year.

Most importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to remember the real, but often forgotten, reason for the season.

Take some time to consider the greatest story ever told; Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to offer us the incomparable gift of hope. So of course! Enjoy the delectable fruitcake and unwrapping long-awaited It’s a time of celebration and joy, a time presents but remember too, that HE is the to be surrounded by those we cherish and reason for the season! create lasting memories. It’s a time to show Happy Holidays from the Pauls! our appreciation for our loved ones and give back to those less fortunate. It’s a time to be generous and kind and to spread the spirit of

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Don't worry we can install a solar pv grid tie or an off grid system for you.

When I was young I was scared of the dark...now when I see my electrical bill I am scared of the light.