Christmas in Canada is surely different from Christmas in South Africa. It is cold and almost always covered in white snow.

The people here are completely crazy about lights! In the garden, against the walls, in the trees and even on blow-up figures and figures cut from wood or made of wire.

We were fortunate to have been able to celebrate Christmas with South Africans wherever we lived (Saskatchewan and British Columbia).

We celebrated our first Christmas in Prince George with Canadians in 2013, where we first experienced a full, huge turkey feast. A typical Christmas supper boasts turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet corn, stuffing and a green salad. One of the most favourite Christmas desserts is angel food cake with fruit and whipped cream (prepared in a container much like the margarine containers).

When with South Africans, we do the boerekos-thing:  leg of lamb, rice, gravy, baked potatoes, green beans and sweet pumpkin. And don’t forget the baked dessert and custard. Home-made custard, of course, because you cannot buy custards in little boxes here!

Most Canadians, however, do not focus on the real meaning of Christmas … So, many ignore the Christmas church services and evensongs.

This year, we’ll celebrate Christmas in South Africa – the first Christmas in ten years with our family!

Regards

Karen Jordaan