Baby’s first Christmas - Coppershot DJ and fiancée excited to create new traditions for daughter
Published:Wednesday | December 23, 2020 | 12:15 AMStephanie Lyew/Gleaner Writer
While they have definitely celebrated the holidays together as a pair in the past, 2020 is the first year Coppershot Disco’s Daniel Moreno and fiancée, Tanhoi Sinclair, will ring in their first Christmas together as parents. The two entertainment professionals welcomed their daughter Zarah in June.
“There’s not much excitement in terms of our daughter only being six months old, and she won’t be able to appreciate what is happening around her as older children would; but for us, celebrating our first Christmas as parents, we are excited to discuss the traditions we will be creating for our family,” said Moreno, who is more known in entertainment circles as ‘SupaStylz’ or ‘CopperStylz’.
“Her first Christmas will be spent with grandparents (my parents) in Florida; as we are starting our own traditions, Christmas tree or [no Christmas tree], tell her Santa Claus gives her the presents or just be real [and tell her that there is no such thing]. My mother has already decorated and has planned to play on her childhood innocence,” he continued.
The disc jockey would usually have a packed calendar of events to play for during the months of December through to January, but things have changed and make it easier.
“Generally, when I have a booking on Christmas night, I make it clear that I am not leaving my home before 10 p.m., because it’s traditionally about family and family dinners. I couldn’t miss out on the food,” he said, stating that he doesn’t have a favourite dish. “The food just extra nice.”
Currently in Georgia, Moreno is planning to meet up with his family in Florida this week.
“I have been travelling. Before there were apprehensions, but [after] observing other Jamaicans locally and in the diaspora, [I’ve realised] we treat this pandemic differently. We take pride in cleanliness so how we handle ourselves in this pandemic is commendable. So, we feel safe having Zarah travel,” Moreno told The Gleaner.
ESSENTIAL FOR HOLIDAYS TO BE SPENT TOGETHER
As for when the entertainment industry returns to normal, his fiancée, Sinclair, who is a digital media executive by profession, said it would be essential that special holidays, such as Christmas, are spent together.
“It’s something we have had conversations about, I was raised in entertainment and we both work in the industry so for the most part, before COVID-19, you didn’t find a lot happening in the day on Christmas Day. Really and truly, it was more about the nightlife (so) when it picks up back, the show must go on,” she said.
She also expressed fears about travelling, but did not want Zarah’s first Christmas to be without some excitement. They have already started a tradition of taking photos for special occasions, mostly monthly family photoshoots where her concepts are brought to life by Dash Productions’ CEO and photographer Jordache Jones, which she hinted may go on for a year. They will also do a Christmas-themed shoot in pajamas.
It’s to physically preserve the memories, she said, “So when I get to Florida, we’ll get dressed up in Christmas pajamas by the tree or so and take some photos. I am afraid to travel with her, but while I am cognisant of risk, we won’t know how long this pandemic will last and can’t live in fear until the point that we do not do anything. Anything I do, I observe the safety protocols, and as Jamaicans we believe in space.”
For their daughter, the disc jockey and ‘Future Mrs M’ expressed wanting to create a fun home where family-focused traditions are sine qua non (not overlooked).
Sinclair shared that her mother, being Rastafarian, does not celebrate Christmas, but growing up with her grandmother exposed her to several traditions – the most common among Jamaican families – big dinners.
“I had my fill of Christmas in country; it’s as Jamaican as it gets, with animal a get slaughter fi dinner, gungo soup, the drinking of sorrel and eating of fruitcake. Speaking about it now takes me back,” she said, adding that while she appreciates the teachings and principles of Rastafarianism and wears locks, “I wouldn’t define myself as Rasta where my diet is concerned … I love me some ham at Christmas”.
The Moreno family urged their friends and families who will be getting together to observe all the health and safety protocols, especially as the number of COVID-19 cases spike locally and globally.
“It’s hard, we all want to be with family and friends at this time. I know I for one always look forward to a get-together or a party or two to mingle, but don’t be careless. We have to do it a bit different this year, wear your masks, wash your hands, avoid touching your faces, sanitise (you can’t do enough of that) and practise social [distancing],” Sinclair said.