New Book Celebrates VI Christmas Traditions
Local authors Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo and Bernadine Walters-Louis have released a new heritage activity and colouring book to preserve traditional Virgin Islands holiday customs. The publication offers interactive stories and illustrations highlighting historic practices such as using inkberry Christmas trees and preparing traditional holiday dishes. It is designed to bridge generational gaps and keep the Territory's cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Cherished memories and timeless customs of Christmases past in the Virgin Islands are being brought to life through a new heritage activity and colouring book authored by local writers Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo and Bernadine Walters-Louis. The book, titled "Virgin Islands Christmas Traditions: A Heritage Activity and Coloring Book", officially launched at the East End Public Library with a mission to preserve the Territory's rich cultural heritage.
The publication explores traditional holiday preparations familiar to older generations of Virgin Islanders. Readers can discover historic customs such as thorough household cleaning, preparing local festive foods, and utilizing indigenous natural materials like inkberry trees and century plants as Christmas trees.
It also features "Granny Delphine's Christmas Story", an engaging narrative designed to connect readers to Virgin Islands culture through storytelling and colouring exercises. During a recent "Meet the Authors" interview hosted by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, co-author Bernadine Walters-Louis emphasised the necessity of actively preserving local heritage.
Reflecting on her childhood trips travelling from Virgin Gorda to Tortola to shop for holiday supplies, she noted that traditions will not survive on their own without intentional documentation to guide future generations. Co-author Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo explained that her passion for colouring and memories shared with her mother shaped the creative, interactive format.
She noted that the book is intended not only for young children, but also for adults and visitors who wish to understand and appreciate traditional Virgin Islands customs and identity. In addition to stories and colouring pages, the publication includes a bibliography directing readers to further historical sources regarding Virgin Islands heritage.
The authors hope the project will inspire family conversations across generations and foster cultural pride throughout the community. The book is currently available for purchase online through Lulu.com, with plans underway to expand physical distribution and make additional copies available locally across the Territory.
Primary source: BVI Government