Christmas is celebrated throughout the African continent by
Christian communities large and small. Those who can afford it
will generally give gifts at Christmas, but the holiday is not
nearly as commercial as it is here. The emphasis is more on the
religious aspect of celebrating the birth of Jesus and singing
in church. The most common thing bought at Christmas is a new
set of clothes to be worn to the church service.
In many countries the processions after the Christmas Eve church
service is a joyous occasion of music and dance. Young children
go door to door to perform dances and Christmas songs using
homemade instruments. Every country has their own unique
celebrations no matter how small their Christian community.
As in most
Christian cultures, celebrating Christmas dinner with friends
and family tops the list after attending church. In Tanzania
goats are quickly snapped up at the local markets and roasted on
Christmas day.
