Nostalgic Christmas Memories: Early Childhood Traditions in South Africa
Every Christmas holds a special place in our hearts, bringing us back to cherished memories and traditions from our childhood. Today, I would like to share one of my earliest Christmas memories and a fascinating insight into Christmas traditions in South Africa, especially during the early 20th century.
My Earliest Christmas Memory
It was Christmas Eve 2001, and I was a mere three years old. The picture above captures a glimpse of me at that age. On that memorable night, my family had a festive gathering at our home. There was an abundance of delicious food and delightful drinks, the kind that linger in your memory long after the celebrations are over. By late evening, I grew tired from the excitement.
My mother, with a gentle smile, noticed my weariness and said, "Sweetie, you look tired." She picked me up, and my relatives showered me with affection, hugging and kissing me goodnight. After preparing me for bed, my father took me to the bathroom to relieve myself, wash my hands, brush my teeth, and get back into my blue footie pajamas. With a loving hug and a kiss, he handed me over to my mother, who tucked me into my warm bed, placed my beloved teddy bear, and whispered, "I love you." As I drifted off to sleep, I listened to well-wishes from my loved ones, knowing I was being cherished.
Evolving Christmas Traditions in South Africa
While memories of my early Christmas are warm and comforting, the story of Christmas in South Africa, particularly in Kimberley, takes on a different hue. For those unfamiliar with the region, Christmas in South Africa is celebrated during summer. Picture this: temperatures reaching as high as 120F under the scorching sun. The intense heat could seem harsh, but it was during these challenging times that my family and neighbors found creative ways to celebrate Christmas.
During the early 1900s, Kimberley was a place where most people, especially those employed by the De Beers diamond mines and the South African Railways, were not rich. Affordability was a luxury, and a proper Christmas tree was out of reach for most. Yet, my aunt, who was close to the man in charge of the cemetery grounds, managed to secure a Christmas tree each year.
A day or two before Christmas, he would trim some large pine trees, chopping off branches to sell cheaply. My aunt would visit early in the morning for first choice, often buying two branches to create a more substantial tree. These branches were carried home on her bicycle, tied together and secured in a paraffin tin to provide stability. The branches were then placed in a corner of the lounge/dining room, where my grandmother would enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Decorating the Unorthodox Christmas Tree
The decorations were simple yet heartwarming. Streamers of twisted colored crepe paper adorned the tree, adding a touch of sparkle. The star on top was made from cardboard covered in silver paper, originating from a box containing 50 cigarettes. The finishing touch was the addition of small colored candles, about the thickness of a little finger and the length of a middle finger, which were secured with wire in strategic places on the tree. These candles were lit only on Christmas Day and my birthday, a tradition that we held dear.
A Near Disaster and a Lesson Learned
One year in the late 1950s, the summer was particularly dry and hot. When the candles were lit on my birthday, one of them accidentally tipped over, setting the dried-out branches alight. Fortunately, my grandmother had a big pot of water nearby, and my father rushed to grab it from the kitchen. By running to douse the fire with a single aim, he managed to put out the blaze. We were extremely lucky that no significant damage was incurred – only a soot smudge on the ceiling served as a reminder of what could have been a terrible disaster.
These stories of early childhood Christmas traditions in South Africa offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of families during challenging times. While my personal memory is filled with warmth and love, it's remarkable to think about the creativity and determination that went into celebrating Christmas in such inhospitable conditions.
What are some of your earliest memories of Christmas? What traditions did you have during your childhood Christmas celebrations?