The holiday season is known as a time when family members come together to spend quality time, but for many young Jamaicans it is a time when they are forced to be away from home because of their commitment to school.

The statistics might not be accurate which tell how many Jamaicans are studying abroad, but the more than two million Jamaicans living outside the island gives some idea of the scope of the issue.

For Jaevion Nelson, 23, who is completing his masters in social development and communication at the Swansea University in Wales in the United Kingdom, being away from home has not been difficult, as he has a strong support system around him.

new experience

"I have never spent Christmas outside of Jamaica before, so this year has been a whole new experience thus far. However, I am spending the holidays with my dad and siblings in London. I have a lot of friends in London as well. Friends from university, old school mates and other friends from Jamaica who now live here. So I have a good base for clubbing and other leisure activities. This again is a first and so I am not unhappy about not being home for Christmas. And it's pretty much a white Christmas in most parts of the UK this year, so that's quite exciting as well," he said.

For Kessia Williams, who now lives in New Jersey in the United States of America, being away from Jamaica for Christmas takes away some of the holiday's spark.

"I'm not as excited as I would be if I were in Jamaica," she said.

Williams said that she enjoys Christmas much more in Jamaica, as it revolves around family.

"Christmas in Jamaica is about family and friends, giving and sharing the festive spirit. Here it's just about the materialistic aspect of it all," the Kingston 13 native told The Gleaner.

Nelson is not so downbeat about spending time away from Jamaica, but he does miss some things.

"My Christmas has always been quiet for the most part. So there is not much to miss, except by now I would have gone two Christmas cakes and several family and friends' 'get together' as we call it," he said.

What's happening?

December 26

CEG Festivals present the second annual Christmas kiddie fest '09' the big Christmas Holiday Festival for parents and children at the Hope Botanical Gardens starting 10 a.m.

Christmas Comedy Cook-Up Presents, The Ity and Fancy Cat show at the Hilton Kingston Grand Ball Room at 7:30 p.m.

Jamaica Pegasus Christmas Day Family Luncheon, Country Kitchen Restaurant

Noon-3:30 p.m.

Boxing Day Luncheon

Noon-3:30 p.m.

December 27

Sunday Brunch 11 a.m. -3 p.m. at The Jamaica Pegasus.

Best of 'Jazz in the Garden' at 6 p.m. at The Jamaica Pegasus.

December 30

First Local Government Awards for Councils, White River, St Mary 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

December 31

New Year's Eve Party, 7:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Jamaica Pegasus ,Grand Jamaican Suite.

Friends of Alligator Pond present Alligator Pond Regatta.

New Year's Eve Gospel concert featuring ancient priest followed by bon fire on the beach and New Year's Day-kiddies Village, marching bands and nuff seafood at Alligator Pond.

January 2

Shaggy and Friends 2010 on the lawns of Jamaica House