A South African Christmas is not your traditional white and snow-filled affair. Instead of snowmen, we're more accustomed to Summer rains along the East Coast and sweltering heat waves inland.
But, don't let that deter you from fostering a festive spirit. Quality time with friends and family, great feasts and decorations to make your eyes twinkle, Christmas is a precious time of the year.
Cardboard Halloween Decorations
Celebrating Christmas is a celebration of the joys of life. Just as Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, it is also the start of the celebration of each new year.
Festive decor and Christmas crackers are just some of the ways to foster a festive spirit in your home and around the dinner table. With presents wrapped in shiny paper, a tree adorned with decorations and family and friends at play, indulge your desires for a beautiful dining experience, and enhance your feast with decorations.
Christmas crackers are a time-honoured decoration. They are made of a cardboard tube, wrapped in crinkly or sparkly paper. Within the tube, an anecdote or joke is printed on a small piece of paper, and a surprise treat or trinket. They often have silly Christmas hats within them too.
Traditionally, Christmas crackers are cracked just before the Christmas feast. With a loud pop, the cracker bursts to reveal its contents. Children love the little trinkets or gifts found inside, and almost everyone has fond memories of keeping the small gifts next to their plate during Christmas dinner.
Christmas in South Africa isn't the snowy and cold time that Northern Hemisphere experiences. It's bright, colourful and warm. So, take your lead from the summertime around you, and decorate your table with Christmas crackers in a fun way.