Many South Africans still follow the old Christmas traditions of their British ancestors. The Christmas meal may consist of roasted meats and vegetables, followed by a rich fruit pudding and custard. Crackers are pulled before the meal. These pop when pulled apart and contain small gifts, jokes and paper crowns which everyone at the table wears. Other Christmas foods include fruit mincemeat pies and fruitcake. Descendants of other European nations often continue the traditions of their ancestors.
Before Christmas, groups may go carolling to the elderly or in hospitals. Some people decorate artificial Christmas trees while others decorate pine trees in their homes. The shops are very decorated and Christmas carols play for everyone to enjoy.
Some families enjoy their Christmas meal on Christmas Eve. They then wait up until midnight and open their gifts. Others open their gifts from Father Christmas on Christmas morning and eat their Christmas meal at lunchtime. As it is mid-summer at Christmastime, many people spend the day at the beach or in the swimming pool. Some families will have a
braai
or barbecue instead of a traditional roast dinner. At a
braai
the food is cooked over an open fire and generally served with salads.
braai
braai
Church services are held on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. The LDS church has a special program on the Sunday before Christmas day. Families gather from far and near to be together on this special day when we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
“He was born so I can rejoice.”
“He was born so I can rejoice.”
