Most Christian households go to church service is held on Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of Christ. Most of them have never seen a playground. Price estimates were … Nyama Choma (roast goat meat) and Tuskers Beer is the flavor of the season in this African country. All that vitality comes to life through the festive mood of the people. Although Christmas in South Africa is has marked differences from Christmas in the rest of the world, the actual celebrations and festive spirit are pretty similar. Anouk is a travel writer, editor, and agent raised in Malawi and Kenya with more than 15 years of experience working in the African travel industry. Cotton Bowl. Fun Facts about African Christmas Traditions Two chimpanzees have fun on African Christmas party in a rainforest Egypt and Ethiopia follow the Julian calendar, so they celebrate Christmas on January 7th. We are looking forward to celebrate Christmas as it is a significant holiday for us. When it comes to Christmas celebration, Africa goes big. The streets in the Cape Town and central districts are decorated with lights and inflatables. A lot of South Africans are Christian and will go to church on Christmas morning. Yes, many of them have a sizeable Christian population; therefore, they celebrate Christmas. Also, depending on what tribe a family is from, they will make meals from their trip. Fun Facts About Africa for Kids! Many people visit churches with their fanciest clothes that they bought by saving up money for months. We have Nativity shows, where the kids participate too! Teach them about native African tribes and Africa culture with fun crafts! The date of 6 January is called l' Épiphanie. Christmas was long-declared a public holiday in Africa, so all the family members can attend the dinner on this special day. Instead of expensive gifts, people usually gift each other affordable items or services. In Kenya, there are several unique Christmas traditions that have been observed for decades and don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. For Chadians, spending time with family is the most crucial aspect of Christmas, and they do that indoors, so you are less likely to encounter outdoor events. This country is among the ten largest countries in the world. Senegal does celebrate Christmas despite being a Muslim dominated country. All in all Xmas in Africa is celebrated in different styles. How Do People Celebrate Christmas in Africa? Choose from a variety of national charities or look for a local organization that's providing Christmas cheer … The history of Christianity in Africa dates back to the 1st century AD, when Egyptian converts founded some of the earliest Christian communities in the world. In South Africa it is summer season in December. Keep on reading! Typically, smaller families can celebrate Christmas day with other families. In traditional churches in Nigeria, the church go on a short trip as a way to replicate the visit of the wise men. The other significant difference is the weather. 1. Christmas in Antarctica comes in the middle of the austral summer. Teach them about native African tribes and Africa culture with fun crafts! Palm trees are also ideal for decorating with lanterns and bells. Popular traditional dishes include turkey, duck, mince pie, roast beef, and pudding-like Plum pudding imported from the UK, and the locally invented Malva pudding. Christmas time is the time for cocoa harvest and hence people have prosperous and money to spare. 9 fabulous family-friendly resorts for a Xmas holiday in South Africa. Christmas time in Africa! Whether to enjoy the cheer of the Africans at the Idumota Market or to know the deep legendary sagas of the Emir’s Palace, Christmas in Nigeria is the best time to be in Africa. The emphasis is more on the religious celebration of the birth of Jesus than it is on gift giving. During the holiday season is a great time to visit Africa. Christmas Gifts for Kids. Church congregations play a crucial role by organizing events to visit the orphanages, adult family, and homeless homes, to visit the families and children. Your kids may enjoy selecting presents for other children who are the same age as them. There are 38 countries with a significant population of Christian. Share this article: Share Tweet Share Share Share Email Share. Families can opt for making braai on the grill or cook more traditional South African dishes. Decorating shop fronts, trees, churches, and homes is common throughout Christian communities in Africa. Native African tribes are famous for their beautiful hand-woven baskets. Christmas Around the World for Kids Whether you are a parent, teacher, or homeschooler – you will love the chance to sneak in some Geography and learn about other cultures as students are making fun Christmas Crafts and strengthening fine motor skills too! Traditionally referred to as Ganna, an Ethiopian Christmas typically begins with a day of fasting, followed by church services and a feast that includes stew, vegetables and sourdough bread. The date is traditional and is not considered to be the actual date of his birth. And yet, Christmas is celebrated throughout the continent by Christian communities both large and small. Also, most restaurants and shops will be closed since it is a national holiday, so most people do grocery shopping well in advance. Christmas is a really magical time of year no matter how old you are. Nativity scenes are played out, carols are sung and in some cases dances are performed. [Image Source: Gauteng.net] Just a hop across the way is the Johannesburg Zoo, with the Big 5 and various other exotic animals . By Mpho Rantao Nov 16, 2018. If this statement sparks your interest, you are in the right place. Many people visit Christmas mass on Christmas day as well. Christmas in Africa. Schools are … You will encounter not only the vibe of the holiday but also the culture and heritage of the country. It is the day to relax after the hectic Christmas celebrations. Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25 in Catholic, Protestant, and most Orthodox churches, is a public holiday in South Africa. How Do People Celebrate New Year's Eve in Africa? Although these countries do not celebrate Christmas in a conventional like in the United States or Europe, the unique and distinct differences are worth noting. A vital component of the love feast is a gift exchange. When they get to the location, usually a park with a lot of open space, they start the love feast. Going to church is usually the main focus of Christmas celebrations in Africa. Christmas in central Uganda is called Sekukkulu, and is celebrated on 25 December.Sekukkulu, the birth of Jesus Christ, begins on 24 December with a “watch night” service.Christmas carols and church bells can be heard all across the country. Preparation for Christmas in the Congo begins when some group is designated to prepare the annual Christmas pageant. Christmas dinner is a key part of the festive ritual in Africa. Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Egypt celebrate Christmas according to the Coptic calendar. In a larger family, one family member hosts the celebration, and kids, grandkids, parents, grandparents, friends and families, and people in the community are invited to come to have fun. Here are some traditions followed by all the African countries celebrating Christmas. Many also set up the Christmas tree in their homes on this day. Even in the northern half of the continent, you have very little chance of enjoying a white Christmas (unless you're in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco). See more ideas about african children, african fashion, childrens fashion. In some countries, churches can organize parades as well. Christmas fir is put in a corner, along with presents for children around the base of the fir. Christmas in Africa under a Southern sky Where mountain mist meets the seaside kissed And a penguin waddles by. Shop by Product; Newborn 0 - 9 months; Baby Girls 4 months - 4 years; Baby Boys 4 months - 4 years ; Girls 18 months - 10 years; Boys 18 months - 10 years; Girls 8 - 14+ years; Boys 8 - 14+ years; View All; Shop by Concept. The most common gift bought at Christmas is new clothes, usually intended to be worn to church. Christmas In Kenya, Celebration & Traditions Of Christmas In Kenya Christmas in Kenya – Holiday and festival; Same like other nations Christian republican of Kenya also celebrates the birth of Lord Jesus Christ on 25th December every year. I found a wonderful tradition of old and new. In Ghana, Christmas dinner is not complete without fufu and okra soup; and in Liberia rice, beef, and biscuits are the order of the day. Christmas in Africa. The carols are sung by groups of people as they come together at a place. Multicultural and geography lessons for children in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school. 3/ Christmas falls in the middle of summer holidays. This Mail & Guardian article shows how Senegalese Muslims and Christians have chosen to unofficially celebrate each other's holidays, laying the foundation for the country's renowned atmosphere of religious tolerance. Preparation for Christmas in the Congo begins when some group is designated to prepare the annual Christmas pageant. Those who can afford it will generally give gifts at Christmas, although the holiday is not nearly as commercial in Africa as it is in Europe or North America. Center for the Study of Global Christianity. Largest Country: Algeria. Chorus: Woza moya oyingcwele (Come Holy Spirit) Al-le-lui-ui-ia. Thank you so much for leaving me a note. Christmas meals are usually slow-cooked one day in advance. It’s that period when you can let your hair down, visit family and friends, go shopping and pop into the cinema, among other things. Good Job making it! Your email address will not be published. Whether you're celebrating baby's first Christmas or already have your family traditions set, we've got the cutest gifts for little ones. Christmas in India: The Best Places to Celebrate It, Discover Russian Traditions, Holidays, and Festivals, How the Christmas Season is Celebrated in New Zealand, Christmas in Scandinavia: Traditions, Events, and Foods, There Are Plenty of Places to Celebrate Christmas in Asia, Plan Your Christmas Vacation to Eastern Europe. There is also double celebration as Christmas falls on the end of the cocoa harvest. The churches hold ceremonies and events during the day. So, when African people decorate trees during this period, they are sending regards to ancient times when Ra’s birthday was celebrated. Other activities during love feast include singing, dancing, Bible recitation. December is upon us which means one thing - Christmas lessons! You will hear strangers saying Merry Christmas to each other in the Malagasy language. Watch the video and see for yourself how our children celebrate around the world. "Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. These free African crafts for children are fun and easy to do with things you can find around the house! The vast majority of African countries are entering the hot season of the year. These are often joyous occasions of music and dance. Price estimates were calculated on October 17, 2020. Many organizations and department stores are usually open for last minute Christmas shoppers, but may close earlier. Have you ever thought of experiencing an African Christmas? Then the South African holiday season reaches its height. For many families, Christmas gives the chance to enjoy a much-needed break. Not only have we put together the very best Christmas gift ideas for everyone, we’ll also deliver any gifts you purchase from the Christmas online store anyplace in South Africa. Cakes or desserts are made of lychees that commonly grow in Madagascar. You will barely see any Christmas trees or fancy Christmas lights. English and Afrikaans are spoken and taught in schools as first and second languages and then there are the many home languages the children learn in the streets or some schools also teach foreign languages. Community service is also a considerable part of an African Christmas in Nigeria. No matter how inexpensive a gift item is, everyone has to participate. The Gambia celebrates Christmas with a massive parade with large lanterns called fanal in the shape of boats. Christmas and gifting are two inseparable concepts, and Africa is no exception. Click here for our Christmas Lesson Plans. Of course, there are several variations to celebrating an African Christmas, depending on if you are single, have a family, or the elderly. Learn about unique traditions, celebrations, and holidays that occur around the world during December and January. Recent years saw some technological advances like fake snow at store entrances. Our South Africa Christmas gift delivery and same day Christmas flower delivery is likely to make your 2020 christmas … They receive small cash donations in return, in much the same way that Western children do when caroling. The Kings' cake, la galette des Rois, is round and made of puff pastry.Inside the cake, a special trinket is hidden. Now that the holidays are in full swing, we thought we’d take a look at how different countries in Africa celebrate Christmas. In The Gambia, for example, people parade with large lanterns called fanals, made in the shape of boats or houses. bags, skirts, jackets, short dresses, swimwear etc. There are dance and singing performances, competitions and football matches all over the city. Learn a little about the countries listed below with our "fun facts" and use our printables, colouring page and fun worksheets to help you record what you learn. After church, families and friends will gather for a … In Ghana, on the west coast of Africa, churches and homes are decorated with the first week of Advent, four weeks before Christmas. In East Africa, goats are purchased at the local market for roasting on Christmas Day. It is also considered the celebration of the winter solstice in some countries. In Malawi, groups of young children go door-to-door to perform dances and Christmas songs to the accompaniment of homemade instruments. And no matter where they live or what traditions they celebrate, kids love Christmas! People in Zambia proudly celebrate their Christmas festival with orphans and vulnerable children and share food, sweets, and holiday drinks. Merry Christmas in Kenya – Things that are too real . There are 54 countries in Africa - and 9 territories -with a total of more than 1.1 billion people living on the continent, which is 15% of the world's total population. 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