Considering the iconic images of snow and the North Pole, many of us forget that not all of the world is cold for Christmas. The climate of Africa in December ranges from mild to downright hot. Forget reindeer. You are more likely to find Santa on a camel. It really shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, the Three Kings came across the desert on camelback to see the baby Jesus. I came upon the cutest children's book, "Hababy's Christmas Eve", written by Joy and Jamie Farr. Yes, that Jamie Farr of M.A.S.H. fame.
"Is this the real Santa?" on Youtube
Because the weather is temperate, Christmas in Africa involves a lot more outdoor activities. It is not unusual for whole villages to walk to church on Christmas morning singing Christmas Carols. Children may dress up and knock on doors to dance and sing and receive in exchange a little treat. Dinner may be eaten alfresco and fireworks may light the sky.
Most families are of modest means so gift giving tends to be more practical than extravagent. A practice I would love to see come back around in the U.S. Santa doesn't come out of the North Pole. He comes out of the jungle to fill the children's stockings. As was once common in the U.S., one of the more typical Christmas expenditures is for a new outfit to wear to church. And church and the birth of Christ are at the forefront of African Christmas celebrations.
Christmas dinner in Africa is as varied as the peoples of Africa. From goat to chicken to beef stew, dinner is a special feast as befits the occasion. While Africans traditionally view fruit as the be all and end all of dessert, many have adopted the sweets that immigrants brought to Africa. Pudding, custard, cakes, pies and candy may be served but usually long after the meal has ended because typical African feasts consist of many main dishes first.
I won't likely ever spend Christmas in Africa but it is nice to know a little bit more about how the season is celebrated there.
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