What is Christmas?
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
How Long Is Christmas Celebrated In South Africa?
South Africans celebrate Christmas with public holidays on December 25th and 26th. On the 25th, they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, while the 26th is known as the ‘Day of Goodwill’ or ‘Boxing Day’.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in South Africa?
Family and friends exchange gifts such as cotton cloth, soap, sweets, pencils, and books. A church service occurs in the morning in which the Christmas scene is enacted, and hymns and carols are sung. Dinner is eaten outdoors, with everyone in a circle for a meal of rice, beef, and biscuits.
How long does the Christmas celebration last?
12 days
Dates. Christmastide, commonly called the Twelve Days of Christmas, lasts 12 days, from 25 December to 5 January, the latter date being named Twelfth Night. These traditional dates are adhered to by the Lutheran Church and the Anglican Church.
Why is 27 December a public holiday in South Africa?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared Tuesday 27 December a public holiday. This is to make up for the fact that Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, while Monday is already another public holiday.