Christianity has been on the continent since the middle of the first century, and approximately 350 million Africans are Christian — so, they’ve had a lot of time to develop their own unique holiday traditions, like masquerade parties and dining al fresco.
Nigeria
In the cities and towns, carollers make their rounds on Christmas Eve. Church services are held on Christmas morning. Christmas Eve celebrations in larger centres include “Carols by Candlelight” and special screen and floor shows.
Homes are decorated with pine branches, and all have the decorated Christmas fir in a corner, with presents for the children around. At bedtime on Christmas Eve, children may also hang up their stockings for presents from Father Christmas.
South Africa
In South Africa, with Eskom awaiting approval for yet another increase, this time one of 16 per cent, high petrol prices and annual increases in municipal rates and school fees all coupled with inflation, South Africans might need to be careful when shopping this festive season.
In most countries in Africa, Christmas Day begins with groups of carollers walking to and fro through the village, along the roadway, by the houses of the missionaries, singing the lovely carols known the world around. Often people may be awakened by a group of carollers beginning to converge on the house of worship. They return home to make final preparation as to the clothes one must wear and also as to his offering for the Christmas service.
The most important part of their Christmas worship service is the love offering, this is the gift in honour of Jesus. Then at about 8 or 9 o’clock everyone makes their way to the celebration of the birthday of Jesus.
Everyone who attends the service goes forward to lay down their gift upon the raised platform near the Communion table. Not one person will attend the service without giving a gift. Now people have Christmas dinners after the service, preparing tables out in front of their home and inviting many of their intimate friends to share.
Ethiopia
If you’re spending Christmas in Ethiopia this year, you’ll have to wait a little longer than December 25, as most people follow the ancient Julian calendar and celebrate the holiday on January 7.
?
Ghana
Christmas in Ghana is a well-deserved break, coinciding with the end of the cocoa harvest and beginning on December 1, four weeks before Christmas. Families decorate their homes using lights, candles and sparkly ornaments.
For most Ghanaians, it’s just the beginning. On Christmas Day, things really kick into full swing, starting with a family meal –- usually consisting of goat, vegetables and soup –- and followed by a church service for the whole community and a colourful holiday parade.
?
Liberia
In Liberia, you’re more likely to see Old Man Bayka, the county “devil” who – instead of giving presents, walks up and down the street begging for them on Christmas Day! And instead of hearing the usual “Merry Christmas” greeting, expect to hear Liberians say “My Christmas on you.” It’s basically a saying that means “please give me something nice for Christmas.”
?
DR Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Christmas Eve is very important. Churches host big musical evenings (many churches have at least five or six choirs) and a nativity play. These plays last a very long time, starting at the beginning of the evening with the creation and the Garden of Eden and ending with the story of King Herod killing the baby boys.
On Christmas day, most families try to have a better meal than usual. If they can afford it, they will have some meat (normally chicken or pork). The rest of the day is spent quietly, maybe sleeping after a busy and late night on Christmas Eve.
Other areas in western Africa also have some pretty cool traditions. In Sierra Leone and much of Gambia, for example, towns and villages celebrate with masquerade parties, extending the celebration beyond the faith community to include the whole town or village in the holiday spirit. As much a social event as it is a religious one, Christmas across the region brings friends and family together for food, sport and gifts.
?