New Book Keeps Virgin Islands Christmas Traditions Alive
Written by admin on November 12, 2026
Inkberry Christmas trees, a clean-out of the whole house and local foods on the table. Two local authors want the next generation to know how Virgin Islanders celebrated Christmas.
Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo and Bernadine Walters-Louis have published Virgin Islands Christmas Traditions: A Heritage Activity and Coloring Book. It was launched on October 17 at the East End Public Library.
The book covers traditional Christmas preparations, from cleaning and decorating to cooking local foods, and how natural materials like inkberry trees and century plants were used as Christmas trees. It includes an interactive colouring story, Granny Delphine’s Christmas Story, and a reading list for anyone who wants to learn more.
“Our traditions and heritage and so on will not preserve itself. We have to do it,” said co-author Bernadine Walters-Louis.
“If you’re not from here and you want to know more about us, this book is for you,” said co-author Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo.
Where to get it: The book is available online through Lulu.com. The authors are working on getting copies sold locally.
- Book launch release with photos (Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports)
Source: Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Nov 12, 2026. Photos: GIS.
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