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Christmas customs ranging from decorating inkberry trees to preparing local foods are featured in a new heritage activity and colouring book by local authors Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo and Bernadine Walters-Louis.
Virgin Islands Christmas Traditions: A Heritage Activity and Coloring Book was launched on October 17 at the East End Public Library, introducing younger generations to the celebrations their parents and grandparents experienced.
“The authors hope the book will encourage families to share their own memories, strengthen connections between generations and inspire greater appreciation for the customs that form part of the Virgin Islands' cultural identity,” the Government said.
The publication explores traditional household cleaning, decorating and food preparation, including the use of inkberry trees and century plants as Christmas trees.
It also features Granny Delphine’s Christmas Story, an interactive colouring story combining reading with creative activities.
During a recent Meet the Authors interview with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Walters-Louis said the publication grew from a desire to document earlier generations’ Christmas experiences before those memories are lost.
She recalled travelling from Virgin Gorda to Tortola to shop for Christmas preparations, an experience captured in the book that may be unfamiliar to younger readers.
Skelton-Bardo said her love of colouring and memories of spending time with her mother helped shape the interactive format. The publication is intended for children, adults and anyone interested in learning about Virgin Islands heritage.
A bibliography provides sources for readers wishing to explore the Territory’s Christmas customs further.
The book is available through Lulu.com, with the authors exploring options to make additional copies available locally.
Virgin Islands Christmas Traditions: A Heritage Activity and Coloring Book was launched on October 17 at the East End Public Library, introducing younger generations to the celebrations their parents and grandparents experienced.
“The authors hope the book will encourage families to share their own memories, strengthen connections between generations and inspire greater appreciation for the customs that form part of the Virgin Islands' cultural identity,” the Government said.
The publication explores traditional household cleaning, decorating and food preparation, including the use of inkberry trees and century plants as Christmas trees.
It also features Granny Delphine’s Christmas Story, an interactive colouring story combining reading with creative activities.
During a recent Meet the Authors interview with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Walters-Louis said the publication grew from a desire to document earlier generations’ Christmas experiences before those memories are lost.
She recalled travelling from Virgin Gorda to Tortola to shop for Christmas preparations, an experience captured in the book that may be unfamiliar to younger readers.
Skelton-Bardo said her love of colouring and memories of spending time with her mother helped shape the interactive format. The publication is intended for children, adults and anyone interested in learning about Virgin Islands heritage.
A bibliography provides sources for readers wishing to explore the Territory’s Christmas customs further.
The book is available through Lulu.com, with the authors exploring options to make additional copies available locally.
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