An East African Christmas

With the festive season in flow, many of us turn to the comfort of the time-honoured traditions which make Christmas the most magical part of the year. Here in East Africa too, Christmas celebrations are a revered ritual – with some aspects which people elsewhere in the world would recognise and others which are particular to this region.

Many facets of Christmas in Kenya and its neighbours resemble those in parts of Europe and the America. Of course, the most treasured part about the Christmas holiday for most is the chance to spend time with loved-ones. And this emphasis on families and friends getting together is what really makes the season special here in East Africa just as elsewhere.

Lots of the festive customs here would be familiar in the West too. The singing of carols is a treasured part of proceedings. And brightly coloured decorations, candles and Christmas trees are popular in many homes and public places. The exchanging of gifts and greetings cards is another of the traditions outsiders would recognise.

But there is much that looks and feels different here too. For one thing, the cold weather which helps define the season in the higher reaches of the northern hemisphere is, as you’d expect, not a feature of an African Christmas! In fact, the holiday comes at what is one of the hottest times of the year for much of the region. And while Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25 in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, you might be surprised to learn that it falls on January 7 in Ethiopia, as a consequence of the country observing a different calendar.

Christmas dinner is rather different here too. While Brits or Americans might be tucking into a turkey, an East African family is more likely to be gathered around a roasted goat dish called nyama choma. Depending on exactly which part of East Africa you’re in, the festive meal might alternatively consist of beef, fish, or chapatti bread with chutneys.

Another practice that sets Christmas apart in East Africa is the playing of sports on Christmas Day. While those in the world’s colder climes huddle around a fire to pull crackers, the hot contrast of Africa brings people out to enjoy more active pursuits. In Ethiopia, a hockey-like game called Ganna (which also means Christmas here), which involves a curved stick and wooden ball, is a popular event on Christmas Day.

Whatever form Christmas takes for you, we wish you well over the festive period and look forward to talking to you in 2012. May we wish you a Merry Christmas - or in Swahili, Kuwa na Krismasi njema!