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Reggae singer Tarrus Riley still enjoys a jolly time with his family, but as the Christmas approaches, he recalls the most memorable moments he shared with his late dad, reggae legend Jimmy Riley.

"When mi did a step out inna music inna di early part and wanted to make a mark for myself, we used to have a whole heap a concerts back to back in the Christmas season. During this whole hectic period, what stood out to me was the fact that I got to perform with my father a couple times. Getting that overload of shows, faced with the good, the bad and ugly, those were my most memorable moments, because doing them before I became popular, I remember mi and mi old man used to venture out to dem. I loved being outside with mi old man on stage shows," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The singer, who yearns for a chance to 'dance with his father again', said that despite the changes in his Christmas traditions, he has learned to live and treasure the small moments.

"I've lost a lot of family members who I'd definitely have a great time with this time of year, and that's why I'm trying to be more present with life," said Riley, adding that he doesn't focus on the religious part of Christmas.

"To me, it's more cultural and more Jamaican style, where everybody looking forward to the holiday for family, food, friend and fun. I don't limit life's celebrations to Christmas, and I'm not gonna be the Grinch," he added with a laugh.

Traditionally, Jamaicans, 'yard and abroad', are known to cook up a storm at Christmas; however, for the Rastafarian singjay, that's a regular practice for him.

"I live like that very frequently, wi always deh a river, wi always a 'run boat'. School give holiday, suh who go school can come in and we spend it together as a family," he said.

"I'm a 100 per cent vegan, so any favourite dish for me would have to be something ital, but I do like the chocolate tea drinking around Christmas time. Don't tell mi trainer, but mi wi hide and eat two fry dumpling and some roast breadfruit and ackee," he added, as he erupted with laughter.

Apart from Crime Free Christmas being his personal favourite Christmas song, Riley said it's a challenge finding a favourite Christmas jingle because they all put him in a "good mood".

"I'm a music fanatic, I love music with all of my heart, but there's just something about carols and the melodies that's just very pleasing," he chuckled as he burst into a rendition of Santa Claus Do You Ever Come To The Ghetto?

Riley opined that during Christmas, people are generally happier, which he doesn't mind, especially now when "everything just rough and dark".

"I wish we could carry that spirit of Christmas throughout the year. My dream is for us to keep that kind of pleasantness and vibe beyond December 25," Riley said. He said that despite the demands of his job as it relates to travel, he would rather be home for Christmas "than in the cold". But if ever he's away, his family understands.

"It's Christmas and family and friends, kids, everybody want present, don't? Suh 'Singy-Singy' (his nickname) affi guh sing for it," he joked. "Thankfully, the people in my life aren't really crazy about stuff like that; we understand the blessings of life and what is really important."

Riley said that he will launch the Tarrus Riley Youth Foundation on January 1, starting in his St Thomas community.

"In the meantime, we're doing a lot of [other] things, such as donating instruments, providing opportunities for artistes and just personally giving back as always," he further stated.

The singjay said he is grateful for the many successes he garnered this year, from being recently awarded the Order of Distinction to receiving the keys to the town of Morant Bay in his native St Thomas.

He also urged everyone to "make the rest of your life, the best of your life".