As the ol’ jingle goes “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”and some local celebrities shared their plans with us - from getting to much need rest and recuperation to catching up with family.
Cape singer Salome Damon Johansen said she was looking forward to spending time with her family.
“We will be having lunch as a family. Since I was a young girl, I always looked forward to families coming together from all around South Africa. That has not changed,” she said.
And according to the singer, a Christmas table isn’t complete without a few signature dishes.
“There has to be gammon. We will always have our crayfish starter and the leg of lamb is non-negotiable,” she said.
“Each year, the trifle is my baby. No judgement to anyone else who uses big, deep bowls for their trifle, but I prefer to always use a flat dish so that the dessert doesn’t sink in when someone dishes.”
When preparing for Christmas in Damon Johansen’s household, the kitchen is the place to be.
“Growing up, my siblings and I all had assigned dishes. When we get together now, everyone is in the kitchen,” she said.
“I love being around people, my family is so important to me, and I look forward to spending time with them. Christmas is about going to church on the day, listening to Christmas music and having quality time (with loved ones).”
Singer and Good Hope FM radio host, Chad Saaiman’s family has a different tradition where their celebration beings with dinner on Christmas Eve.
“My mother, Sandy, always cooks for us and pulls out all the stops. She is the kind of person who is about presentation, decor and a menu catered to the crowd,” he said.
“We usually stay up until midnight to wish each other Merry Christmas. We always talk and say a prayer before we eat. Christmas day is usually spent having lunch with our partner’s families and with friends.”
Saaiman said thanks to his mother, Christmas has many beautiful memories.
“There’s a money cake that gets made annually, with coins wrapped inside the cake. However, Sandy Saaiman decided to start putting notes in her money cake. I will never forget the first time I got R100 from a Christmas cake.”
The Cape Town singer said it’s all about family during this time of year.
“We have a new generation of children in the family and we try to make it as special as possible for them. A few years ago, my sister, Carey and I started a new tradition where I sing a song, and she plays the piano,” he added.
Durban-born musician Nhlanhla Majozi and his wife, Daniela are also looking forward to spending time with family.
“It’s a time for loved ones and to joyously celebrate the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ,” he said.
Daniela added: “We will start the day at church and then go to a family lunch. We are blessed to have the opportunity of inviting friends who don’t have plans, to join our festivities.”
Nhlanhla said he was looking forward to the gammon at Christmas lunch.
“I am not even sure if stores sell gammon throughout the year, but that glorious meat appears at Christmas time and that’s when I want it,” he said.
The couple who got married earlier this year, said above all Christmas was a time for gratitude and love.
“It’s a time that we get to celebrate what Jesus’ birth means and is a symbol of new hope and love,” Nhlanhla said.
Daniela added: “We know that not everyone celebrates it for the same reason that we do, and we just want everyone to know that they are loved at this time.”
“We are thankful that we get to spend the day with loved ones and have a special, intentional meal together.”
Idols SA and The Voice SA finalist Robin Pieters echoed the sentiments that family time was a priority.
“I will spend the day with my loved ones and family, as I am on leave. I cannot wait for the gammon and all the typical Christmas treats,” he said.
He recalled his first Christmas memory.
“The Christmas band would march down the road, and that’s how I knew that it was Christmas time. They would march at midnight, and the excitement would kick in almost instantly,” he said.
Pieters said Christmas was his favourite holiday.
“It’s a time to think of the tough year that has gone by, but also to celebrate life. That’s what Christmas is about for me,” he said.
Beloved Cape musician, Alistair Izobell said his plans for Christmas Day were never set in stone.
“I always await a phone call or invitation for a get-together so that we can celebrate life,” he said.
“My home has always been the home where everyone spends the entire day or late afternoon into the evening, which is why we are always at home on this day,” he added.
Izobell’s said Christmas time reminded him of the realities of having grown up poor.
“I recall always getting hand-me-downs from a young age. As much as there wasn’t money for things, I still got my toys on Christmas Eve,” he said.
“I recall getting a scooter one year and wearing a pale powder blue suit. I remember the joyous feeling of presents under the Christmas tree and it was a magnificent feeling,” he added.
“Christmas has always brought a lot of peace, joy and kindness. While a lot has changed over the years, the anticipation of all the good things is still the same.”