Christmas in South Africa

There are 11 million Christians in South Africa, meaning Christmas is not skipped over in the calendar in this African nation. Because of its position in the world in the southern hemisphere, South Africans experience Christmas in the middle of summer. Regardless of the weather, South Africans prepare for the holiday season the same way people in the United States and Britain do.

Schools are closed and holiday vacationers flock to the mountains and rivers, specifically Kruger National Park which receives thousands of vacationers (specifically campers) this time of year. Though there is no snow, the beautiful weather and flowers fill the gap. Other families take Christmas Day as a day to spend on the beach eating barbeque with those you love. Most just spend Christmas in their backyards chatting with their family and friends.

Those South Africans who decide to spend the holiday in the city enjoy the decorations and festivities. Carolers go around on Christmas Eve by candlelight from house to house and special Christmas services are held on the 25^th.

Santa Claus does not play much of a role in South African Christmas time culture. The focus is mainly put on the family unit and spending valuable time with each other. South Africans take this time of the year very seriously and even take up to a month off from work!

South Africans put up Christmas trees in their homes and the presents are laid under the tree, to be opened only on the 25^th. Other Christmas décor includes Christmas fir and pine branches. Before children go to sleep on the eve, the hang their stockings out so Father Christmas can fill them with surprises.

Dinner on Christmas Eve is usually eaten outside and consists of roast beef, suckling pig, turkey, mince pies, plum pudding, and yellow rice among other treats. Apart from all the hype of the Christmas tree and dinner, South Africans really just get together with their families to enjoy each other's company.