As Christmas comes near in Zambia You may hear classic Christmas carols being sung in any of these languages (which, apart from English, includes Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, and Tonga), along with cheery greetings of “Merry Christmas!”.
70% of Zambians live in extreme poverty, so gift-giving is not in the forefront here. Most families do not set up a Christmas tree, and Santa Claus is not exactly a figure that they look up to. Church and worship, however, are always encouraged. If they are able to, donations for the sick or less fortunate may be brought to the church.
Like the people of many countries do, Zambians will often hold a nativity play in the church, complete with biblical figures and a crib for baby Jesus. What really makes a Zambian Christmas unique is that all of the adults will typically celebrate in one house together, while the children are set in a different house for a Christmas party of their own.
They will usually eat rice with some type of meat while they relax and enjoy the company of their peers. Celebrations come and go throughout the week from Christmas to New Year’s. These parties are focused on bringing the truest gift of all – happiness.
Christmas in Zambia is both a religious a commercial celebration. A good part of the festivity is usually spent with family and friends. There are a few Christmas decorations here and there. The nativity scenes are the most popular of all.
One or two days before Christmas, many people could go caroling from neighborhood to neighborhood spreading the Christmas cheers. On Christmas eve, some Zambians go to church to watch nativity plays and see other featured performances.
A lot of food is shared on Christmas day. Children and sometimes adults go from house to house to eat. Parties are also very popular around Christmas time. In Zambia, most activities at Christmas evolves around the church and coming together, just like in many other African countries.
Zambians often go carol singing together a few days before for charity and children are encouraged to bring a present for less fortunate children to church on Christmas Day.
