Reader Submission by Tina K.

This term – Jamaica Eve – I can not take credit for….I saw it on a chat board (thanks Sweetness) and immediately, before even opening the thread, knew what it was about and that I was going to like it.  At the time it was close to Christmas so along with this wonderfully appropriate term, the poster also included a story using the Night Before Christmas.  It was funny, heart warming, and summed up the night before I leave on my Jamaican vacation perfectly.

I don’t know about you but this Jamaicaholic is all a jitter the night before with anticipation, excitement, and nervousness.  There is no sleeping with the expectation of that warm sun, soft sand, and cold drinks; of course I am not going to forget to mention the wonderful people that greet me each time like a long lost family member that has returned home from the battle!  This is my addiction!

I know that I am on vacation and that going on vacation has its own happy, “I don’t have to work feeling”; however, for me, going to Jamaica takes it up just one more level (or maybe 10).  I am always excited to be on vacation, and I would assume most if not all of us are, but given my addiction (and you other Jamaicaholics will understand), knowing that it is Jamaica Eve makes things that much more exciting.

Likening the night before my Jamaican vacation to Christmas Eve is so the feeling that I get….just like when I was a kid and I knew that when I woke up the next morning there was going to be some happy times and good food!!  I had as hard a time falling asleep then as I do now on Jamaica Eve!  I knew that I was going to open up presents (in the case of Jamaica, have experiences) that I didn’t know I was going to get; I knew that there were also presents (again, experiences in Jamaica) that I knew about, but just as excited to get.  And, of course, just like Christmas, I was/am so bummed when it is over but sooo looking forward to my next Christmas (or next Jamaican vacation).

Now the wonderful thing about Jamaica Eve, unlike Christmas Eve, is that it can come more then once a year, thank gawd!  Jamaica Eve is up to me, which is good because this addict can not go a whole year without my Jamaican fix.  In fact, I don’t think I can go more then 4-5 months without setting foot on Jamaican soil.

My Bestie has more like a Vacation Eve as she is still travelling to places other then Jamaica…insert shock and disbelief look here…I know right, how can she not want to return to Jamaica time and time again. Well she is not an addict but she sure is addicted to traveling.  As us Jamaicaholics have picked such a specific drug, Bestie  has diversified and is open to many places to satisfy her need to travel; so I guess  she is more of a travaholic.  Well, actually she is a good friend; she does come but now only once a year, usually for my birthday.  Although she is excited to be on vacation, it is not the same excitement and anticipation that I get when I know that I am going to be on a plane in a few hours heading for what I can only describe as my idea of paradise.