Christmas in Botswana takes place in the summer, so seeing a Winter Wonderland is not likely, but what is likely is beautiful warm skies with birds chirping.
Botswana is located in southern Africa, just above South Africa and to the southwest of Zambia.
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Christmas Traditions
Christmas traditions are similar to the United States but without all the commercialization.
Families put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with all the familiar Christmas colors. They hand out presents on Christmas Day and spend time with family. Presents are usually handmade or have sentimental value.
Botswana is a poor country, so their celebrations are much smaller than in America, but it is in the same spirit. They emphasize spending time with family and singing Christmas Carols.
The day after Christmas is Boxing Day. On this day, leftovers are usually eaten, and families relax after the busy day of Christmas.
A favorite dish at Christmas is the Botswanian dish seswaa. Seswaa is a salted stew made with shredded beef or goat meat and served over thick maize porridge.
Another dish becoming more popular due to the influence of South Africa is braai. Braai is similar to barbeque in America.
Church services on Christmas Eve are also a special event. Botswana is a predominantly Christian country, which means they recognize Christmas as the Birth of Jesus Christ and tell the story of the Star and Wise Men.
Christmas Eve is one of the largest days for churches throughout the year in the country. They enjoy the Christmas Eve service with friends and family.