Celebrating Christmas In Zimbabwe

Like all other countries across the world, Zimbabwe too celebrates the festival of Christmas in its own unique way. Since it is a southern African country, situated between South Africa and Zambia, Christmas in Zimbabwe falls in the summer season. Which is why, the concept of having a long bleak cold day and a white Christmas is alien here. Zimbabweans have their native touches to this important festival. The Christmas cards used here usually have pictures of Zimbabwe or African landscapes on them, such as wild animals, instead of snow scenes.

For most Zimbabweans, the festive day begins with a Church service. After the Church service, people go visiting friends and families and party in their homes all through the day. Sometimes, this can take all of the rest of the day! Everyone wears their best dresses for Christmas. For some families, this is the only time of the year when they get new clothes. Gifts are exchanged and special dishes are prepared at every household.

In Zimbabwe, children believe that Santa Claus brings their presents early on Christmas Day so that they can show them to their friends at Church and at the parties. Fathers give presents to their children and husbands to their wives, which are usually clothes and candy. Handicraft has been consciously promoted as an income-generating activity in Zimbabwe. They are made with creative talent and technical skill. Much of these go to the foreign buyers. However, Zimbabwe Christmas crafts are popular in decorations and gifts too.

The main room of the house is decorated with plants like Ivy which is hung round the whole of the top of room. Most homes in Zimbabwe do not have a conventional ‘European’ Christmas tree. Though carols are sung at the time of Christmas day morning service, there are no carol singers here. Children sing the songs that they have practiced for this special day at the early morning church service.

Food is an important part of Christmas in Zimbabwe as preparations are made weeks in advance for the grand Christmas treat. Chicken with rice is a special food eaten at Christmas in Zimbabwe as chicken is a very expensive food here.

At times, a feast is convened for the members of the church. This meal is served at one home and the women take turns preparing the food so that they all get to attend the service. The menu generally includes fresh roast ox or goat, cornmeal porridge, bread, jam, and tea. Following dinner, they relax and sing gospel songs. All these make Christmas in Zimbabwe fun in their gracious way.

Because of the spiraling increase in inflation and extremely difficult life here, Christmas celebrations are not as extravagant an affair in Zimbabwe. Access to basic commodities is a foremost concern. Yet, Zimbabweans spend Christmas in a quiet and dignified way and recall the Lord’s message of peace and love.