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The First Family, from left, First Daughter Sumayah, First Lady Yolanda Bryan, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and First Daughter Aliyah. Photo Credit: Government House
Governor Albert Bryan, First Lady Yolanda Bryan and First Daughter Sumayah Bryan are inviting the Virgin Islands community to the family’s first annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Children’s Holiday Party scheduled for this month on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, Government House has announced.
Sumayah, 17, was asked to create a theme for each of the official Christmas trees and the scenery surrounding it. Drawing on her Christmas spirit and her love for culture and tradition, she chose a cultural madras theme on St. Croix, a Santa’s village theme on St. Thomas and a tropical paradise on St. John, Government House made known.
According to Sumayah, being able to participate in the holiday celebrations across the territory in this way has been extra special.
"I'm very thankful for all the volunteers who have been working really hard to make the tree-lightings and children's holiday parties fun for all of us. I'm really looking forward to visiting all the children's parties, meeting families, and spending the holidays with Dad, Mom and my sister, Aliyah," said Sumayah, who will enter college next fall.
On St. Croix, join Sumayah for a Cultural Christmas at Fort Christiansvaern, where she will light the madras-inspired tree at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, to kick off the annual Boat Parade in the Christiansted harbor.
On St. John, the Children’s Holiday Party and Sumayah’s Tropical Love City Christmas tree lighting will be on Thursday, December 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Franklin Powell Park in Cruz Bay.
On St. Thomas, the Children’s Holiday Party and Sumayah’s Christmasville will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at Emancipation Garden in Charlotte Amalie.
Governor Bryan will host the St. Croix Children’s Holiday Party from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 24, at Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted.
All of the events are free and the Children’s Holiday Parties will feature fun activities for children, including face-painting, an appearance by Santa Claus, quadrille and mocko jumbie performances, live music and gifts for the children, according to Government House.
