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This Christmas marks yet another year that 23-year-old Shaquella Bartley has been away from her family and the overall feel of celebrating the festive season on the island.

Bartley, who is a medical student in China, hasn't returned home since she left in 2017. For her, it has been nothing but nostalgic thinking about Christmas on the island, as the holiday is not celebrated in China.

"The fact that I am in a country that Christmas is not celebrated just makes me miss Jamaica so much," she said. "They do try to make us feel welcomed by decorating the places that we might frequent but as beautiful as all these things are, it is not the same as celebrating Christmas in Jamaica."

The Murray Mountain, St Ann, native, revealed that the joyful spirit she usually has while being in Jamaica is somewhat non-existent, but among the Jamaican community in China, they make an effort to retain the spirit.

"While I am here, I don't feel even feel like decorating anywhere. We see only a little, if any, Christmas trees on our dorms," said Bartley. "Most persons forget that it is even Christmas time. We have exams straight through so we spend most of the time preparing and some might even have exams on Christmas Day."

She added: "Sometimes we have 'pixie' gift exchange and we may also cook and then come together to share and eat together while watching Christmas movies."

If she had a chance, Bartley would be on the next flight home just to enjoy that which she loves the most about Christmas, the 'nyamings', and bonding with relatives

" I just miss the Christmas morning feeling. I loved waking up to all the amazing scents coming from the kitchen, getting that wonderful breakfast from my grandmother. Then the day would get busy with other family members making something to add to dinner, kids running around, and the laughter," she said.

As for this year's Christmas, Bartley is not anticipating anything exciting. She said it would be just as sombre as previous years.

"I plan to meet up with friends and exchange gifts. I really miss Christmas back home and I am longing to celebrate in Jamaica," she said. "Me just miss my yard."