Sunday, August 12, 2012

Christmas in July!

Christmas in South Africa is a warm affair! No Gluwein, or eggnog, no Christmas pudding it's too rich and not suitable for a hot day! But we have our own traditions - prawns dripping in lemon butter and garlic grilled on a hot bed of coals, crisp, dry wine served ice cold, watermelon and feta salad garnished with fresh mint ... mmm, my mouth waters.  But we do get to enjoy all the northern treats, in the ice cold - when we celebrate Christmas in July!  It's become something of a tradition down South - and up North I believe where you get to enjoy summery things!


For a change Old Santa doesn't swelter in his warm, red suit!  His "Ho, ho, ho" is a really happy one, and he's in no hurry to rush off on his sleigh to cooler climates, but he stays a while and enjoys a warm glass of gluwein and has a chat!  We enjoy his sparkling eyes and listen to his travelling tales!



Tables are set and lit candles flicker gently, sending a warm glow, dancing on the walls.  The fire crackles in the grate, and Christmas carols play while guests gather together chatting and laughing - enjoying good cheer.  Gifts are collected under the large Christmas tree to be distributed to a local Children's shelter later in the afternoon!




Roast turkey, smoked gammon and crispy roast potatoes - chipolato's wrapped in bacon, and brussels sprouts with chestnuts, hot Christmas pudding and creamy custard.  Christmas hats, and lots lof laughter.  It doesn't really matter when we celebrate Christmas does it? 

As long as our hearts are filled with good cheer and the real meaning of Christmas!


Season's Greatings from the Braggs!

5 comments:

Jenty said...

Looks and sounds awesome!!

Anni said...

You got that right....no matter when you celebrate, it's always good when it gladdens the hearts and souls around you.

Lovely, lovely post! Truly. I so enjoyed it. Thanks for giving me the heads up on your Christmas in July!


You wrote: "prawns dripping in lemon butter and garlic grilled on a hot bed of coals, crisp, dry wine served ice cold, watermelon and feta salad garnished with fresh mint"....I'm drooling here!!! Oh how I wish I were there with you.

Hootin Anni said...

...oops, that's me in the above comment, Hootin' Anni, [I'm in the admin editing on my OTHER blog] lol

Marcelle said...

What a wonderful tradition.
Living here so far from family and alone we don't have any traditions :(

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Suddenly I can't wait for Christmas at the end of the year