Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

From left: Ryland Campbell converses with Sophia MaxBrown and her mother, Karlene MaxBrown, at one of last year's Christmas parties. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

So many parties, so little time! It happens every season at this time of the year - back-to-back parties, and not just the obligatory office outings either, but some real fancy and swanky doos that really leave all those who are guests wanting much more.

Such was the case the other night in the swanky Irish Town neighbourhood at the even swankier Strawberry Hill Hotel and Spa, at a memorable to-do made that much more so owing to the simply fabulous music by the Fifty-Fifty band, which simply had their guests enthralled by the depth and range of its repertoire.

And speaking of swanky events, fabulous people come Christmas Day, flawless beauty, style doyenne and clothier to the fabulous, Ms. Fabulousness herself, Sophia Max-Brown, will be celebrating her birthday in the fine style and élan only the truly fabulous knows. As will be the fabulous Carol Bourke, of the Rose Hall Resort and Spa, in Montego Bay.

No word yet as to what format and just where the celebrations will unfold this year, but last year this time it was all about Negril as hubby Richard Bourke, Hedonism II's affable GM, hosted one of the seasons more fabulous affairs that was such a scorcher, some of those who attended last year's celebrations are hankering for a repeat!

On the 29th, however, hotel tycoon and international A-crowder, John Issa, will be celebrating another year of the fab life as this pioneering icon of the modern tourism industry will mark the occasion with a quiet and intimate little number restricted to immediate family, and a shortlist of friends!

Now, on Tuesday, man about town, Dwight Sangster, celebrated his birthday. And Pastor the Rev. Howard and Marcella Francis celebrated their 24th anniversary at their Lime Hall residence, in beautiful St. Ann.

Preferred balls

And the invitations are pouring out and so the rush is on as the bystanders are now all scurrying, and in indecent haste to make the cut for this seasons preferred balls and/or parties!

Meanwhile, for some of the upper class, an island or continental get-away is the mode for the season and will see Anthony and Jeanne Watson, and their son, James, all jetting off to St. Barth's for New Year's celebrations.

The fabulous Issa girls will be island hopping! No, not the twins, the glamour denizens!

Betty Delfosse-Ingleton is heading for Brazil.

Chicago-based real estate power-player, the fabulously wealthy Joe English, is heading for the Dominican Republic instead of his usual haunt over there in Silver Sands, near Duncans.

Janet Farrow will see in Christmas in the Big Apple, but will be back on the rock to see in the New Year with beau Bill Edwards!

John Windle and wife Cherise Francis-Windle and their daughter Victoria Olivia Windle will see in Christmas here in Jamaica but will return to their California home to see in the New Year.

Francesca von Habsburg is expected at her Alligator Head get-away over there in Port Antonio.

And Ronnie and Francesca De Maja of Malta, but who have made Jamaica their winter home for over the last decade, will return from St. Marten to see in the New Year in Kingston.

The Christmas pudding from Norma's Restaurant on White Hall Avenue, is to die for, and then some! The sorrel, equally fierce!