Christmas Eve in the afternoon we would look at the brightest star in the west which we call “Kopadilalelo”, which I got to learn later that it is actually the planet Venus. One can still see it every evening just before sunset and other stars are visible at night.
Today we spend the day with many extended family members and have dinner/braai with candle lights. But for younger children, the same tradition we had still continues… “ Something else lots of South Africans have in common is the feeling of goodwill towards the less fortunate. Lots of churches, children’s and old age homes have lists of people that need food, treats and/ or gifts to also make their Christmas special. My family always tries to buy a gift or two for those that cannot afford to buy their own because Christmas is a time for giving and we are so blessed that we also want share with others.
On the morning of the Christmas we would be woken up very early and wait for the sun to rise. We would all look at the sun and were told that the sun would be dancing (and yes we believed it because we could see it really dancing). We would also get gifts that our parents had bought us earlier, hid them and only revealed to us on that day. We would be told that the presents came from Father Christmas, and yes we believed it all. We would then all dress in our new Christmas outfits and go to church.
To sum it up, Christmas in South Africa is a time for sun, fun, family, gifts, good food, goodwill towards others and a quiet reflection in church of why we celebrate this holiday.
Magda Buitendach
17