On Saturday, December 7, Kingston 8 came alive with the magic of Christmas in the Garden, an annual marketplace hosted by Story & Myth that celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of Jamaican and regional creatives. Now in its fifth year, this event has become a cherished tradition, offering artisans a platform to connect directly with enthusiastic shoppers in an atmosphere brimming with creativity and charm.

Kristie Stephenson, founder of Story & Myth, reflected on the origins of the event. “The idea was born out of frustration,” she explained. “Myself and two other creatives felt disheartened by the high fees required to participate in conventional craft shows before COVID. We launched our first Christmas in the Garden in 2019, and though the pandemic interrupted its continuity, we came back stronger in 2021 and have been growing ever since.”

Set amidst lush greenery, the marketplace offered a refreshing alternative to commercialized fairs. Vendors displayed their handcrafted goods under trees and alongside plants, creating a warm, inviting space that evoked the charm of a Jamaican Christmas Grand Market. DJ Hot Lipz provided an upbeat soundtrack, enhancing the festive atmosphere for both vendors and shoppers.

The event featured a diverse range of offerings, from jewelry and clothing to artwork and unique gift items. Touch by VLS stood out with their striking ceramic urchins, which combined bold modernist design with personal touches. Designer Kimya Glasgow from St. Vincent and the Grenadines added a regional dimension to the event, presenting her luxury perfumes. Her Paradise Eau de Parfum, crafted with notes of mandarin, hibiscus, gardenia, and oud, was particularly well-received, evoking nostalgic Caribbean scents.

Simone Gordon of T&T Fashions brought a colorful touch with her tie-dyed and hand-painted garments, displayed in a setting that felt like an enchanting wardrobe come to life. Renowned photographer Jeremy Francis showcased prints of his iconic rural and urban landscapes, which captivated attendees. Stephenson, reflecting on his participation, said, “I grew up admiring his work, so having him here was truly special.”

This year also welcomed The W.A.R.E Collective (We Are Red Earth), a new addition dedicated to preserving traditional arts and sustainable craftsmanship. Architect Peter Francis introduced a series of greeting cards featuring his sketches of traditional Jamaican houses, while Story & Myth collaborated with the collective to create custom bracelets using indigo-dyed Job’s Tears seeds, a meaningful nod to Jamaica’s history with indigo production.

Despite a few light rain showers, shoppers came out in full support of the artisans. Stephenson highlighted the event’s deeper purpose, explaining, “This is about more than shopping. It’s about creating a space where creatives can amplify and support one another.”

Story & Myth, the brainchild of Stephenson, stands as a beacon of creativity in the community. The boutique jewelry company focuses on harnessing the uplifting power of story and mythology, folklore and island finds, through its line of elegant yet earthy Job’s Tears-based blessing beads. Through its beads, and now the Christmas in the Garden event, Story & Myth continues to inspire and connect with the true creative spirit of the Caribbean.