KOUGA– As the countdown to Christmas begins, Kouga Express posed a few questions to readers. “Thinking back on your childhood days, what are some of the Christmas traditions you wish could return?” These were their responses.
Jacobus Jantjes: I wish we could return to a time when there was door-to-door carolling with groups of people bundled up, singing carols around the neighbourhood. This spreads joy, builds the community, and it feels magical.
Soria Swart: The first was the “Christmas Bed.” In our family, Christmas meant gathering at my grandparents’ home, where cousins from all over would descend on the house, creating one noisy, joyful bundle. Another cherished tradition was the annual Christmas Concert. Every cousin, big or small, had a role. And then there were the homemade Christmas decorations. We made everything ourselves: paper chains, painted pinecones, and cotton-wool snow.
Loulita Vosloo: Most family members and extended family living nearby were all together for the Christmas holiday. These days, everyone is scattered around the world, and nobody sees each other.
Gianni Dembech: I wish everyone could experience Christmas with the same spirit they had as a child and with the same enthusiasm for being together as a family. Today, however, the true spirit of Christmas is lost among gifts, unnecessary expenses and falsehoods.
Rika van Jaarsveld: I miss spending time with the whole family, aunties, uncles, and cousins between Christmas and New Year. I also miss how my grandma knitted slaapkouse for all of us as presents.
Pastor Sakhekile Mbili: Christmas used to be a big day. We used to go to church in the morning, and when we came back, dinner was ready. Now it’s not happening. Families used to gather together, eating and enjoying Christmas together. Now it’s not happening. Children used to go out asking for Christmas gifts in the neighbourhood. They would receive biscuits, chips, and sweets to celebrate Christmas. That is no longer happening. The children of today are drinking alcohol on Christmas Day.
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