South Africa celebrates Christmas in the summer, but all of the traditional traditions, such as Christmas trees, pudding, and markets, are still present. Here’s how to celebrate a true South African Christmas, from candlelight carols to outdoor Christmas feasts.
Because schools and many businesses are closed for the Christmas holidays, many people enjoy taking advantage of the warm weather and spending time outside. South Africa is a beautiful country with amazing beaches, hiking, mountains, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife-filled national parks, so there are endless opportunities to reconnect with nature during the holidays. Many families enjoy going camping, spending the day at the beach, or even celebrating the holidays by visiting Kruger National Park to see the Big Five.
South Africans celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
In South Africa, there are numerous traditional ways to celebrate the big day, December 25th. Some people begin their morning with a church service, while others immediately begin opening their Christmas gifts. Following the morning’s activities, friends and families gather for a Christmas lunch or dinner, followed by backyard games such as cricket or a well-deserved nap!
The Christmas dinner
The Christmas feast is the highlight of the entire holiday season. A traditional meal of roast turkey, duck, beef, or suckling pig with yellow rice, raisins, and vegetables is enjoyed by many families.
You’ll find everything from cold cuts to salads, as well as delectable desserts like traditional Christmas pudding, mince pies, and Malva Pudding (or Lekker Pudding). There’s always plenty of food to go around, and unexpected guests are always warmly welcomed.
Christmas lunch is frequently eaten outside in the nice weather. South Africans never pass up an opportunity to have a braai (barbecue), and if the weather is nice, they’ll light the coals and bring out the meat.
How is Christmas celebrated in South Africa?
South Africans decorate their homes with a Christmas tree, which is usually a store-bought replica of a real tree. Some households go overboard with lights and decorations.
What do South Africans eat during the holidays?
Christmas dinners typically include glazed gammon, roast turkey, chicken, beef, fish, duck, roast vegetables, yellow rice, various salads, pudding, and other items. What exactly is this? Many families will serve Malva pudding, a traditional South African Christmas dessert, for dessert.
