Christmas in Africa

I feel like I'm ok to start talking about Christmas, because at least Halloween has passed now. If you still aren't ready for Christmas carols or candy canes, come back in about a month and catch up.

Every family has unique holiday traditions. They might be based on religion, ethnicity, or simply what grandparents and great-grandparents set in motion. But everyone does something - even if it's sitting in front of the tv drinking beer and watching A Christmas Story. It's still something.

This next series is going to be looking at Christmas and the holidays around the world. A different country or region each time. I want to cover a lot, which is why I'm starting now. So deck the halls and grab some egg nog.

First we visit...Africa. And the first thing you must know is that they don't celebrate Kwanzaa, like you might be thinking. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday, and largely unknown in Africa itself. Africans place the focus of the holiday on spirituality and being together with friends and family; much like we do, but without the attention to gifts and other commercial aspects.Aside from the basic principals, Christmas varies largely from country to country.

Ethiopians and Egyptians celebrate Christmas on a day that is January 7th for most of the world, but is actually December 25th for them. Other countries will be celebrating the same day as those of us in the US. But no white Christmas for them, since December falls in the middle of the African summer.

Although gifts may be exchanged, most families cannot afford this Christmas tradition. You won't find any Santa Clause and toy stores are rare, even in rural areas of Africa. Most gifts that are exchanged are practical items such as books or soaps, or a new set of clothes for church on Christmas morning. Much of Christmas day is spent at church, singing, acting out plays, or dancing in celebration. A meal may be shared with family and friends - and from my reading it seems goat is high on the menu.

There may be some decorating for Christmas, especially in store fronts and shops. Churches and homes may also be decorated, and instead of a pine you may find an adorned mango tree or palm tree. I'm guessing not many snowman images.

Lastly, you should know how to say "Merry Christmas"...so here you go.
Ghana - Afishapa
Zimbabwe - Merry Kisimusi
South Africa - Geseende Kersfees
Tanzania, Kenya - Kuwa na Krismasi njema
Ethiopia - Melkam Yelidet Beaal
Egypt - Colo sana wintom tiebeen
Nigeria - E ku odun, e hu iye' dun