Kaniel Cole loves playing Santa Claus to his children

Jamaica Defence Force staff sergeant Kaniel Cole has grown to appreciate the spirit of Christmas, that is centred around family, altruism and love.

Cole, who has been using his social media platform to raise funds for the needy, is grateful for the Yuletide season, as it allows him the opportunity to share with others.

The experience of being less fortunate is one that hits close to home for the Spanish Town, St Catherine native. He shared that his father, a taxi driver, and his mother, a dressmaker, were unable to give him and his four siblings gifts for Christmas as they were poor.

Understanding of life

"I grew up with a greater appreciation and understanding of life. I know how it feels to see other children with something and mommy or daddy can't afford it so you do without," the military man said.

It is for this reason that his Christmas I'll Never Forget memory is being able to provide gifts for his children, ages nine and three, giving them the opportunity to experience the aspect of Christmas he never did. "The joy of having my children around is definitely my fondest memory. The fact that I work as a military person, and the fact that work in the streets, I hardly have time for my children and to be a family man. So, Christmas is definitely a fond memory and I cherish spending time with them," he said.

Cole said he is anticipating spending quality time with his family, basking in the aura of the Yuletide season, decorating the Christmas tree and wrapping gifts for his children.

However, while he has plans to be Santa Claus to his children, he is hoping to spread more cheer to 61-year-old Point Hill, St Catherine resident Carolene Pryce.

On December 4, THE STAR published an article about Pryce's plea for assistance, as she is having difficulty providing for herself financially, having to battle a myriad of health issues. Cole said he is making plans to give her a special surprise on Christmas Day.

"Giving back to someone less fortunate, not necessarily in a tangible sense, captures what Christmas means to me. If I can read to a young man, or share with someone, just because I have it to share, I will do it," he explained. Cole said altruism isn't lost within society.

"But due with the advent and prevalence of social media, you're seeing a lot more being done and more can be welcomed. If I can inspire someone else to do what I have done, then I think each one teaches one. We can all be our brother's keeper," Cole said.

Although the true spirit of Christmas is sometimes overshadowed by commercialism, he said he impresses on his children to remember to share with each other, which will build a spirit of caring.

His advice to Jamaicans is to use this time to spend with their families.

"Do more reading to enlighten the mind and to appreciate life because when you look in the wider society, you can see life going by. There are persons in the hospitals who can't do the simplest of tasks that you take for granted, so I will re-enforce staying home and spend time with the family," he said.