Family tree: We need to shift the focus from material gifts to shared activities like festive decorations, the authors say.
For many African families, Christmas is not just a holiday, but also a time of reunion, celebration, and reflection.
This season is marked by traditions that have been passed down through generations and holds a special place in the hearts of many. The rhythm of life slows down, creating opportunities for families to connect, share stories, and create new memories.
At a packed Festival Mall in Kempton Park, mother-of-three Thandi Mbatha does her last-minute Christmas shopping for her young children.
“I've been working hard all year to buy clothes for my baby so she can wear them all through the Christmas season. I'm now going to pay off the last installment and add a few more items.” she says.
“I’m going back to KwaZulu-Natal for the Christmas season to see my family for the first time, which I’ve never done before because I couldn’t afford to take a taxi home.
“Now I have a better job. This will probably be the best Christmas I've had in years.”
For many African families, Christmas is synonymous with homecoming. After spending months in the city in search of dreams and opportunities, many return to the warmth of their homes in the countryside.
The joy of being reunited with loved ones, such as parents, siblings, and childhood friends, is a gift that no material possession can replace.
New clothes symbolize the spirit of seasonal renewal. For children, nothing compares to the excitement of wearing the clothes they just bought. Clothes are often carefully hidden by parents until Christmas morning.
These garments bring more than style. They express hope and gratitude, and mark the culmination of the year's efforts.
Equally important are meals that are prepared only once a year. Dishes such as roast, mogodu, papu, braai, or sweet treats such as ginger beer and kuksister turn an ordinary table into a feast.
For a fleeting moment, families are united by the sounds of laughter and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food, forgetting the hardships of the past year.
But Christmas isn't fun for everyone. For some, it's a dark reminder of unfulfilled aspirations this year.
Many people leave their homes for cities in hopes of securing a better future. But given the harsh realities of city life, including low-paying jobs, high living costs, and unexpected hardships, there is little to be seen in a year of struggle.
For Ntukho Khumalo*, a resident of Maderakfa, Tembisa, Christmas is a poignant reminder of what he is missing.
“I have been spending Christmas in my cabin for over 10 years. I can't go home. I have nothing to give to my siblings and children.
“I just make some money, buy a few beers, eat and go to bed, like I've been doing for years,” he says.
It's hard to go home empty-handed. Cultural expectations to bring gifts and financial support to families weigh heavily on those who feel inadequate.
In some cases, this burden can foster deep shame and embarrassment, leading people to stay in town throughout the Christmas season.
This decision was not taken lightly. For many, that means spending Christmas in isolation, far from family and away from the warmth and traditions that make this season so special.
The silence of an empty city during a vacation can increase feelings of isolation, leaving many people struggling with feelings of failure.
In this way, Christmas in Africa is a season of duality. For some, this is a time to celebrate the fruits of their labor. For others, it's a reminder of the challenges they face. But even in the most difficult of circumstances, the season offers opportunities for introspection and renewal.
Communities play a key role in bridging this gap. For example, churches often extend the spirit of giving to those who cannot afford traditional celebrations.
Through soup kitchens, donation drives, and community gatherings, we ensure that no one is left behind.
These initiatives highlight the power of collective care and remind us that the essence of Christmas lies not in material gifts, but in the spirit of sharing and caring.
As migration to cities continues to shape the dynamics of African families, perhaps it's time to rethink how we celebrate Christmas.
Can we create traditions that embrace simplicity and reduce the pressure to present outward symbols of success?
What if the focus shifted from what we bring home to how we connect with our loved ones?
Some families have already made this transition. Instead of expecting expensive gifts, they prioritize stories where elders impart wisdom or tell stories from their youth.
Some people value experiences over possessions and organize group activities such as soccer games or cooking contests.
Technology has become a lifeline for people unable to return home. Video calls and online group chats offer a way to stay connected even when physical contact is not possible.
These small but meaningful acts can help bridge the emotional distance that moving to a city often creates.
After all, the beauty of Christmas in Africa lies in its ability to unite people across great divides.
Through laughter around the fire and heartfelt phone calls to loved ones, this season reminds us of the importance of community, love, and resilience.
For those who find Christmas difficult, it is important to remember that success is not always measured in material terms. The courage to face a new year, the ability to have hope in the face of adversity, and the love you share with family and friends are accomplishments in themselves.
As we celebrate this festive season, let's hold space for both the joys and struggles that come with it.
Let's embrace the true meaning of Christmas: a time to give, forgive, and cherish the bonds that make us human, and create moments to honor the diversity of our experiences.
May the Christmas spirit find you this year, whether you are in the city or at home, with loved ones or alone.
And may it remind us all that no matter the circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for.
*This is not my real name.
