Introduction
Christmas is a well-populated holiday that orthodox churches throughout the geographical scale of South Africa celebrate. It can be contended that Christmas celebration culture is synonymous internationally. The culture of gift-giving and family gatherings are the main mandates for Christmas celebrations.
Christmas in South Africa
A notable difference in spending Christmas in South Africa is the hot summer weather, allowing for outdoor activities and visiting the beach.
Christmas festivities centre around enjoying a big Christmas feast with close family and friends. Large traditional home-cooked meals usually include succulent meat, cold salads as sides and a delectable dessert such as Malva Pudding. Christmas, indeed does demand great cooking skills.
The culture of having a great Braai outside is very specific to South Africans. In essence, Christmas is an accumulation of great music and dressing up in new fashionable clothes.
The rainbow nation and the differences in culture
Our country is known as the rainbow nation, so everyone celebrates Christmas slightly differently. Christmas traditions are passed on to the next generations. Some families start decorating their houses in late November, while others do so in early December. With presents wrapped up and under the big, beautifully decorated Christmas tree, the days fly by, and meal preparations are next to be done.
Some families celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December, and others on the 25th. Christmas is a very religious holiday in which families attend church services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ as a deity. Regardless of the differences, Christmas Day is a day full of laughter that is common ground as the Christmas spirit for South Africans.
Conclusion
With the difficult demands of hard work throughout the year for both adults and children, Christmas presents the opportunity for establishing connections with family and friends while resting. Although it is a religious holiday, Christmas is a highly orientated family celebration.
Christmas is the most jubilant time of the year. It’s filled with generosity and thanksgiving. On Christmas day, life can be bittersweet if you lost a loved one or are alone on Christmas, but not to worry, South Africans believe in the more, the merrier. Although it is a dark Christmas, may the light-hearted and giving culture of Christmas add joy to all.
Co Author: Delni Beets
