What do they call Christmas holiday in South Africa?

In South Africa, the festive season, which includes Christmas, is affectionately known as “Vakansie” or “Holiday Season.” This term is widely used by locals to refer to the period from late November to early January, during which they celebrate various holidays, including Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the day after. While “Vakansie” is the most common term, there are other variations and regional names used across the country.

Understanding the Different Names for Christmas in South Africa

1. Vakansie: This is the most popular term for the festive season in South Africa. It is derived from the Afrikaans word “vakansie,” which means “holiday” or “vacation.” The term is used by both Afrikaans-speaking and English-speaking South Africans.

2. December Holidays: This term is more commonly used in English-speaking regions of South Africa. It simply refers to the holidays in December, which include Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

3. Kersfees: This is the Afrikaans word for Christmas. It is used by Afrikaans-speaking South Africans to refer specifically to the Christmas holiday.

4. Kersdag: This is the Afrikaans term for Christmas Day. It is used to denote the specific day of the holiday rather than the entire festive season.

5. Nieuwjaarsdag: This is the Afrikaans word for New Year’s Day. While not directly related to Christmas, it is an important part of the festive season in South Africa.

Christmas Celebrations in South Africa

In South Africa, the festive season is a time for family, friends, and joy. People celebrate by exchanging gifts, enjoying festive meals, and participating in various traditional activities. Here are some of the common Christmas celebrations in South Africa:

1. Feasting: South African families gather to enjoy festive meals, often featuring traditional dishes like oxtail, bobotie, and roast chicken. Christmas pudding and mince pies are also popular desserts.

2. Gift-Giving: Exchanging gifts is a significant part of the holiday season in South Africa. People often buy gifts for their loved ones, as well as for the less fortunate through charity organizations.

3. Religious Services: Many South Africans attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

4. Fireworks: In some areas, fireworks are set off on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year. However, the use of fireworks is heavily regulated in South Africa to minimize pollution and accidents.

5. Charity Events: The festive season is also a time for charity and giving back to the community. Many organizations host events to raise funds for those in need.

In conclusion, the term “Christmas holiday” in South Africa is known as “Vakansie,” “December Holidays,” “Kersfees,” “Kersdag,” or “Nieuwjaarsdag,” depending on the language and context. Regardless of the name, the festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness for South African families and friends.