While the beginning of December is a joyful time during which we look forward to a sea or Bushveld holiday and the little ones’ wishing lists for Christmas, this time of the year also includes deep longing and nostalgia. With Christmas, we always think of the children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who celebrate on their own on the other side of the world. This week we talked to Jeannie van Zyl to find out how they celebrate Christmas in Australia.
- Are there interesting Christmas practices and traditions, or special dishes?
Seeing that it is summer when it is Christmas people like eating lighter food. A lot of people like to braai (“barbie”) seafood, for example shrimps or fresh fish from the local fish market.
The most communities/neighbourhoods also have Christmas picnics outdoors somewhere in December, with Christmas songs (carols by candlelight), that also serve as a fundraiser.
- Are there pretty Christmas lights in your neighbourhood or a new Christmas trend showing itself in your country?
There are definitely streets where residents put up better and more impressive lights every year! Some people decorate their gardens and porches with exceptional exhibits –aside from the lights. There are figurines and buildings, model animals and other figurines to portray various Christmas scenes.
- Do you keep to the old traditional food and celebrations or do you celebrate Christmas in new ways??
We gladly take turns and invite friends for a bring and share Christmas meal. So depending on who comes every year, we eat food from different countries. Last year we had people from diverse backgrounds (Australia, South Africa, England and Sri Lanka) at our house for Christmas, and it was a delicious mix of salads, breads, braaivleis and side dishes.
We have a friend who works out a route for us for Christmas Eve, then a few families drive or walk from house to house to see the lights and to stroll next to the road.
