Dayton got shiny toy truck for Christmas

Dr Dayton Campbell holds tight the memory of getting a blue toy truck as a Christmas gift when he was seven years old.

The newly elected general secretary of the People's National Party reminisced about his toy truck during an interview with THE STAR yesterday.

"It was a nice little truck that I always wanted and was remote controlled," Campbell responded when asked about the Christmas that he would never forget. "You know, as a little boy you would've been ecstatic to get these sorts of gifts and I was surprised when I got it because I didn't think I would get it."

Growing up in Bamboo, St Ann, with his five siblings -- two are now deceased -- Campbell said Christmas was a time to spend quality family time, eating food, sharing stories and having a good laugh.

"It has always held that spot for me and it's that time of year when you're a little bit more relaxed and can spend quality time with your loved ones. You have several meals being prepared, which for some us who are foodies, enjoyed," Campbell laughed.

The demands of his job

Fast-forward 30 years and not much has changed about the way Campbell, a father of three, has chosen to celebrate Christmas. He said that it remains a time for family, with food, laughter and thanksgiving being at the heart of the way he now celebrates. However, the medical doctor and politician said that he has been unable to celebrate the holiday with his family for the past four years, due to the demands of his job. He hopes to spend more time with his children this year.

"Being in this political process and being a practising physician, they don't see you as often as they would want to. I hope I will get an opportunity to spend quality time with them," Campbell said.

In the meantime, Campbell said he is longing for the return of the nostalgic experiences of Christmas to Jamaican society, which was the highlight of his childhood in North West St Ann.

"As children we used to enjoy ourselves a lot more. I think there was greater appreciation of family and family values at that time, and I don't think it's the same right now," he said.