Marlon Graham, unlike most people, could not consider any particular Christmas to fit inside ‘My Best Christmas Package.’

The US-based record producer and youth motivator begged to be different and instead talked about his ‘Worst Christmas.’ So, here is the story.

“My worst Christmas was during my mid-teenaged years. I was living in Greenwich Farm, Kingston. Two of my friends and I had planned to go to St. William Grant Park, Downtown Kingston. Then, later we would go to the Mr. Tatty Dance annual event that was well supported. This was held on Fourth Street in Greenwich Farm.”

“We discussed what we would wear and I fully displayed my bragging rights about wearing my brand new Travel Fox sneakers, stone-wash jeans, and silk shirt.”

“The problem was that I had none of these outfits, not even a good pair of ordinary sneakers. I believed the problem would be solved but this was far from reality.”

“I couldn’t allow my friends to see me ‘so-so’ on Christmas Day. Oh no, so I was at the lookout point, my gate, where I could see them approaching from any direction up or down the road. As soon as I spotted them, I immediately ran to the back of my yard.”

“They called several times and when they were tired of calling they decided to go. I returned to the gate and watched them going up the street until they disappeared.”

“They apparently went to St. William Grant Park where we had promised to meet. Realizing I was not there I expected them to come looking for me again. And they did. This time they were walking swiftly in a manner of urgency. They called repeatedly, each time louder than before. Then, they went down the street to the party.”

“That night I cried because they were my friends and I really wanted to enjoy myself. And, deep down I knew I could not hide from them forever. I had mixed feelings on how to handle the situation. I contemplated and finally felt I should tell them the truth. I did just that and they were very supportive.”

“I also begged the Lord to save me from such an embarrassing position and to bless me with lots of clothes. I also promised the Lord that I would work hard to achieve enough to share with others.”

“There are a lot of people going through rough times. My story is to motivate, especially youths, that life is not a bed of roses. Do not give up on life no matter the situation.”

“I vowed that day when I could not find a suit to wear on Christmas not to fall in that situation again.”

“This Christmas, many people will be trying to get a good meal or a new suit of clothes to wear. Thank God, I do not have to turn down any invitation or hide from any of my friends.”

(Photo contributed)