When I was a child growing up in Bloemfontein, Christmas never meant anything deep to me and my family. As Buddhists, we attended the local temple every Sunday and recited the chant before meals. But Christian holidays are unavoidable in a Westernised society and I remember suburban families adorning their homes with tinsel and lights. When we went out at night, my Papa would drive us through the wealthier neighborhoods so that we could admire their festive decorations.
School played a major role in our perception of the December holidays. There was always a play, we’d sing carols, and our school hosted one of the busiest Christmas markets in Bloem. Some of our friends hosted Secret Santa parties where we received felt stockings containing mint-flavored sweets. I participated in some of the gees, though it all seemed a tad odd.
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