By Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter

DaVille - Contributed photos

On any other day, artistes would have agreed with one poet to "ring out wild bells, to the wild sky". However, this Christmas day, some are already saying they will be content simply spending time with their family and friends.

According to reggae artiste, Bescenta, though he has shows planned for that day, he will be spending a part of the day with his family.

"I have a whole lot of things planned. I guess from early out, I will be with the family and get together, but after that is just straight work," he said.

Bescenta, a Rastafarian, says though he does not celebrate Christmas, "I acknowledge that there is a day called Christmas, and I love the joy and the togetherness, but all year round I always give thanks. I look upon Christmas as one of the most celebrated holidays. Is also one of the holidays that they get people to spend a lot of money, but you also have to think about the have-nots."

Da'Ville, another artiste, also says he will be spending time with his family. He said, as an artiste, it is often difficult to spend time with his family and friends, but this year, he has made an extra effort.

"I had something scheduled, but I had to postpone it to celebrate it with my family. Nothing comes without effort, so I had to make sure that I found time this year," he said.

Da'Ville also spoke about what he loves the most about Christmas: "I love the atmosphere and the whole feeling and it's one of the happier times for me. That time, everybody is celebrating and I get to take time out to mingle with people on that day."

Though some of our artistes have migrated, it seems they, too, have similar plans for the holiday. One such artiste is Lady Ann who has lived in the United States for over15 years.

"Well, I will be spending it with the family and the children and also with close friends like Sister Nancy and Sister Charmaine. Every Christmas I spend it with the children," she said.

Lady Ann says this Christmas she will be cooking up a storm with Sister Charmaine. "I usually cook up a big feast. Usually, like last year, Sister Charmaine came over and that's what we did - we just cooked up a big feast."

She says the best part of Christmas for her is seeing her children enjoy themselves: "It's when I see the kids opening their gifts under the tree. When I was growing up I didn't have that opportunity, so it just makes me feel so cheerful to see them happy and excited about what they are getting."

Bescenta