For many, the winter holidays are a favorite time of year. No matter where you are or what you celebrate, there’s just something magical about the holiday season.

It’s the comfort of reuniting with friends and family, honoring them with gifts and love. It’s enjoying customs passed down from generation to generation, connecting everyone around us! And that’s before mentioning the delicious food and cozying up on the couch with a warm mug of hot chocolate!

And of course, each country and community has their own holiday traditions. Globally, every holiday celebration has a unique flavor that warms the heart and celebrates the spirit of the season. This week, we’ll be diving into the Holiday Traditions of South Africa.

A Holiday at the Beach

The first thing to remember when talking about the winter holidays in South Africa is that, well, they’re not technically Winter Holidays. South Africa lies south of the Equator, in the Southern Hemisphere of the Earth. That means that their winter holidays actually take place during the summer. So South Africans don’t “dream of a White Christmas,” but instead look forward to hot and sunny days.

This means that outdoor activities are a popular part of the holiday festivities. Most families opt for beach days near the coast or extended camping trips when the children are out of school. Many of the local wildflowers are in bloom during this season, creating a gorgeous, natural atmosphere for the celebrations.

Classic Christmas Traditions

Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in South Africa, thanks to the influence of British and Dutch settlers arriving to the country in the 1800s. South Africans share many of their Christmas traditions with the home countries of these original settlers. For example, many South African homes will set up a traditional Dutch fir “Christmas Tree” in their homes, and with engage in the British tradition of “Christmas Crackers,” which is not a snack but instead a small paper tube that children will “crack” open to receive the small gift inside.

And of course, we can’t forget about hanging stockings for Kersvader! (That’s Santa Claus in Afrikaans! Though some communities will still call him by his traditional Dutch name, Sinterklaas.)

Over the centuries since Christmas was introduced, South Africans have added their own traditions to the proceedings. Christmas lights in South Africa will feature representations of local wildlife in the displays, such as Elephants, Springbok, and Giraffes. Woven baskets and ornaments made of local flowers and seashells also take a center stage in the decorations.

Christmas carols are also a major part of the Christmas traditions in South Africa. Some cities will host Candlelight Carols, where the lights are turned off across the city, save for the candlelight held by the singers and crowds. Caroling is also a very popular activity in coastal towns. The beauty of the ocean view matches perfectly with the beauty of the voices of the carolers. Both traditional Christmas Carols and traditional African Music are performed, creating a joyous and celebratory atmosphere.

Good Food and Better Friends

Of course, no Christmas in South Africa would be complete without a Christmas Braai. A South African barbeque, Braai is a strong and ongoing local custom held for many occasions throughout the year. However, it is a particularly meaningful during the Christmas Holiday. Many South Africans look forward to the Christmas Braai more than the giving of gifts! The Christmas Braai represents the importance of spending time with your family and friends, something one shouldn’t take for granted.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas, Boxing Day, are all prime Braai Days. Somme communities will even host a full three-day Braai extravaganza. However, a Braai Christmas Lunch is the most popular of the holiday Braai traditions. Folks will then use Boxing Day to enjoy the beach, or to explore a wildlife reserve or national park.

All the usual favorites are available during Christmas Braai, from the traditional beef sausage to the more unique ostrich meat. The Christmas Braai will also emphasize Turkey and Duck based dishes, served alongside vegetable and rice-based side dishes. The Christmas Braai can range from intimate family affair to a town wide Christmas celebration, so it’s best to have a lot of food prepared!

And don’t forget the Christmas desserts! The South African favorite around the holidays is Mulva Pudding, also known as Lekker Pudding. Mulva Pudding is a bread pudding made with apricot jam and a special sauce topping that’s always served hot. A scoop of ice cream is usually added on top, helping to keep everyone cool during the hotter weather. Cinnamon flavored Milk Tarts are quite popular this time of year as well.

Good Tidings to You this Holiday Season!

Even with these all these traditions, both unique and shared, there’s one thing to keep in mind. No matter where you are, what you celebrate, or what your traditions are, whether you’re from South Africa or from London or from Chicago or anywhere in-between, there’s nothing like the Holidays, and there’s nothing like cherishing it with your friends and family.

From all of us at Baya Biltong, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Geseënde Kersfees!