It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and nothing kicks off the holiday season better than the Bahamas National Trust's (BNT) Annual Christmas Jollification.
Jollification with a Caribbean flair takes place November 18-20 at The Retreat on Village Road, with Friday a special evening for members only, and Saturday and Sunday open to the public. More than 100 vendors offering the best in artisanal crafts, designer jewelry, plants and food from around the world will be on display.
It's the event that's perfect to find unusual and unique gifts for Christmas. Pippa Cole will display wonderful needlecraft. Nadine's Garden will provide handpainted glassware and unique wind chimes for the discerning shopper. And Island Flava, with their Junkanoo designed tableware can insure that your holiday celebrations will not only taste good, but will get everyone ready for that Boxing Day beat.
For the women that love bling, Jollification offers many choices of unique and wonderful jeweled creations with elegant pieces to accent holiday attire. Pirates and Pearls will also have the perfect pair of earrings or bracelets. If beads are your thing, the Karike offerings will make it almost impossible for you to make a decision. And Marlee Mason of Abaco Seaglass will provide beautiful silver and seaglass creations that will be perfect for the holiday party on the beach.
Jolly Market continues to grow and has become one of the liveliest areas at the Jollification. The area features beautiful straw work, homemade jams and jellies, delicious pastries, and creative and delicate shell work. Monika Zeilder, of For Heaven's Cakes will be on hand with her delicious cheesecakes, scones and artisanal breads.
And once again Jim Whitehead from the Nassau Florist will create the mood with his decorations under the pavilion and around the garden.
Jollification has also become popular with local artists and Dion Lewis, Jennifer Marbury and Tiffany Barrett will display Bahamian scenes in oils, watercolors and silk paintings respectively.
For the "green thumbs" the Jollification plant area will certainly be the place to browse. Tanya Nunez of the Potting Shed always has something new and different, and Flamingo Nurseries with their exotic orchids is always a favorite. Edem Nursery offers native fruit trees among other garden specialties.
And then there are the people who come to the Jollification just for the food. This year, they will not be disappointed. Back again by popular demand is the Greek Annunciation Church and Filipino Delights. Hands For Hunger will offer healthy soups and Inner Wheel of East Nassau will offer a sumptuous variety of sweet and savory treats. The Batter Girls will be in attendance with their conch fritters. The conch corner will also offer conch chowder, conch salad and grilled conch. Sands beer will feature their new Bush Crack beer.
The Jolly Book Stall will have for sale many bestsellers at great prices. A quilt by the Stepping Stone Quilters will be raffled off.
Bristol Wines & Spirits will have a number of holiday spirits on display for guests to sample, such as Jacknogg, as well as two new Bacardi flavors -- Torched Cherry and Oak Heart Spiced Rum. Also featured will be the Alpenglow non-alcoholic ciders. A variety of holiday cocktails and liqueurs will be available for sampling, to give you options for your upcoming holiday gatherings.
Just for the kids will be Jolly Land where children will be able to create a Christmas Craft, have their face painted and take an animal balloon by Desi Cuevas.

JOLLIFICATION
When: Saturday, November 19
Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
When: Sunday, November 20
Time: 12 noon - 5 p.m.
Admission: $10 general admission, $5 BNT members, $2 children under 12.

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