Christmas is hands-down my favourite time of the year. It brings back so many fond memories of childhood holidays spent with my family in Namibia, on my grandfather’s farm. Every second year, the whole family would gather, filling the holidays with endless "braais", laughter, more food, countless activities and did I mention food?
We’d swim in the farm dam, hike up the hill while listening to Grandad’s stories of the bush, and spend cosy evenings with Grandad watching operas or music programs on TV. Grandma never missed Egoli, and of course, there was always more food than anyone could ever eat! Grandad would venture into the bush to cut down a thorn tree, which we’d decorate with Grandma’s fragile glass ornaments, carefully stored in an old suitcase.
Handing out presents took forever because there were so many of us. Our Christmas Eve tradition included a big meal, followed by a nativity play performed by the cousins. Then we’d exchange presents, enjoy dessert, and gather around the fire with violins, guitars, and singing. As the evening wound down, we’d lie on blankets under the stars while Grandad explained the constellations.
No one tells you as a child how much things will change as you grow older. I thought I’d spend every second Christmas at the farm forever. But life moves on – marriages, new families, immigration and the loss of loved ones mean those big family Christmases evolve. Now, the chaotic dinners with extended family have turned into quieter celebrations with our own tribes.
I miss it all – the carefree holidays, my cousins, sitting by the fire listening to Grandad play the violin, and Grandma’s cooking and laughter. Even my dad, an introvert who loved escaping the bustle for a quick trip to town, made those holidays special. I always volunteered to go with him. Those drives were our tradition: visiting Tsumeb’s museum to find Grandma’s name in old newspaper clippings, driving past the houses he grew up in, stopping by Wyand’s (where his parents’ shop used to be), and reminiscing at the pool where he met Mum. Then we’d have a “fleischsalat” sandwich at the tea garden before doing the grocery shopping and heading back to the farm.
Christmas is all about those precious memories and sharing them with loved ones. This is why our Christmas Postcards Workshops have been such a joy. It was an honour to connect with so many people this month, hearing about their plans and unique family traditions while creating beautiful holiday art together.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, filled with love and laughter. Happy painting, and I look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!
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