In Haiti, Christmas Eve used to be as important if not more important than Christmas Day

When I was a kid growing up in Haiti, 24 Decembre (Christmas Eve) was more important than 25 Decembre (Christmas Day)

PHOTO: Haiti - Christmas Tree at the National Palace
PHOTO: Haiti - Christmas Tree at the National Palace

Christmas Eve in Haiti used to be the night when children don't sleep, we can do whatever we want and adults wont say anything.

I remember spending Christmas in Cite Militaire at my uncle Wilfrid's home.

He was strict but so tolerant during the Christmas Holiday. Ton Wilfrid would let me do whatever I wanted. Perhaps he didn't know that I learned how to smoke as a child one Christmas eve right across the street from his home under "Pye Cachiman".

He only knew about the "tito" and "douce kokoye" I went to go buy chez madame Riviere up the street but, Ton Wilfrid, it was much more than that. Why do you think I enjoyed Christmas Eve at your house so much?

Christmas Eve was Independence Day for a country boy like myself spending the day at Ton Wilfrid's in Cite Militaire.

To bad, the old man died and I cannot tell him all about it.

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas but, to all the children in Haiti, I'd rather wish you a happy Christmas Eve.

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Djo Kannel says...

I agree wit you. Our Christmas in Haiti is always celebrated on December 24th when turkeys and bouillon plus chocolate are on the table of almost everyone's table.

Even the ones who are in a difficult economic situation.

Everything or almost is permitted to the kids on this specific night.

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Gabart Leneus says...

Merry Christmas to you too and your

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