Dear Global South Africans,
Whether you’re in snowy London or sunny Sydney, your South African heart beats to the rhythm of a December back home. While you might not be able to join us this year, here’s how to keep our festive traditions alive wherever you are:
Create Your SA Christmas:
- Turn up the heat! Even in winter countries, a proper South African Christmas means firing up the braai. Yes, even in the snow – we’ve seen your creative indoor braai setups!
- Seven colours aren’t just for Sundays. Layer those colorful sides just like home – your beetroot, yellow rice, and that chakalaka recipe your mom finally shared
- Start early, end late. Remember how Christmas Day starts with breakfast rusks and coffee at sunrise and ends with leftovers at sunset?
- Make noise! Our Christmases are loud with family, music, and laughter. Queue up your favorite South African playlist
- Keep the spirit of Ubuntu. Invite those who might be alone – other expats, colleagues, neighbors. Share our tradition of extended family Christmases
Food Memories To Recreate:
- That trifle that appears at every gathering
- Milk tart (we won’t tell if you use store-bought pastry)
- Koesisters or koeksisters (depending on your tradition)
- Mom’s secret-recipe curry (video call her for the hundredth time to check the spice mix)
- Those cherry and marshmallow fruit salads that somehow appear at every SA Christmas
Most importantly, remember that home isn’t just a place – it’s the traditions you keep, the memories you make, and the love you share. Whether you’re serving turkey in Toronto or having a braai in Qatar, you’re keeping our South African spirit alive.
Share your celebrations with us using #GSAChristmas. We’d love to see how you’re bringing South Africa to your corner of the world.
Wishing you a blessed festive season, The Global South Africans Team
P.S. Don’t forget to video call during the family lunch – it’s tradition now!
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