Gift Of Hope
No white Christmas nor reindeer in Africa, it's a time of family gatherings like many countries sharing across cultures, no matter the religion most join in to celebrate this time, bringing some joy and hope to all.
Christmas services shared in churches, perhaps under a tree where families congregate sharing together in song, it's mid summer we tend to do festivities a little different to the North.
Toy drives throughout the country now over, where toys are distributed in rural villages for children to enjoy who would under most circumstances not receive a toy. Food parcels a very big drive this year to feed those without, similar may happen in more affluent countries after the devastation brought about after the last couple of years. This is normal in South Africa as most our lives we have lived with many never receiving.
Carols by candle light will be sung in designated places within towns, unlike previous years groups walking village roads singing with out of tune instruments at your gate collecting some money from rural areas. I do miss these entertaining innovative groups doing the rounds.
Pensioners in care facilities visited by small groups of youth to entertain them a week or more before Christmas with a lunch gatherings arranged by villagers. Times have changed!
A poem I stumbled upon the other day that had me smiling, I admit much better in apt description to whatever I could pen down.
A SOUTH AFRICAN CHRISTMAS – by Sue Harwood
Twas the day before Christmas
Or, as they say, it was “eve”
It was sweltering in the kitchen
Thirty-seven degrees, I believe
The Hadedas called out loudly,
The crickets chirped up a storm,
Laughter from the poolside
And splashing – the festive norm.
Storm clouds were gathering,
With the sun still ablaze
The temperatures were soaring
As I made the ham’s glaze
The smell of braais came wafting,
Across the wall from our neighbour
My thoughts turned to gifting
As I continued the culinary labour
My Christmas wishes are simple
Only a few things on my list
Please give us a new President
On that, I must insist…
I wish for Peace in this world,
And an end to all wars
Health and prosperity for everyone
And an end to El Niño’s flaws
I wish for an end to the poaching
So our wildlife can thrive
And our endangered species
Will always be there… be alive
I returned to reality
And to my wonderful surprise
I saw the weather changing
Right before my very eyes.
The rainbird’s dulcet tones
Echoed out from the tree
And the drops began splattering
Oh, happy happy me!
Merry Christmas everybody
May your best dreams come true
And if you have leftover presents
Just send them to Sue
All photography taken in family members garden where creativity runs rife, making your own space bringing year round smiles with adventures in different spots using homemade pottery, between beautiful nature on offer.
Thank you to all who assist with charity @combination within Hive it is appreciated, well spent on whom I refer to in our rural regions.
All photography is my own using Canon Powershot. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day!
Thought for Today: "There is no point in living if we cannot take back our culture." - African Proverb