It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner! For those of us in the southern hemisphere, that means hot weather and Christmas celebrations that are a little different from what our friends up north are used to. Here’s a quick overview of how Christmas is observed in South Africa.
How do South Africans celebrate Christmas?
One big difference is that Christmas here falls during the summer holidays. That means that many people take the opportunity to get away from the city and go on vacation. Some of the popular destinations include Durban, the Garden Route, and Kruger National Park.
Another difference is that, because of the heat, Christmas dinner is often a light meal of salads and cold meats rather than the heavy, traditional fare. Dessert is typically something fruity, like a pavlova.
And, of course, no Christmas in South Africa would be complete without a braai (barbecue). So, if you’re lucky enough to be celebrating Christmas in South Africa, be sure to enjoy some of these unique traditions!
