Living in a new country can be both an exciting and challenging experience. The new surroundings, people, and culture can offer endless opportunities for growth and learning. But it can be quite challenging to be away from one’s loved ones during the festive period, particularly over Christmas. One can feel isolated and homesick, especially if your family is celebrating together back home. Our hearts long for our loved ones and for that what is familiar to us. However, it’s vital to remain positive and find ways to stay connected with family, despite the kilometres that may separate you. With the advancement of technology, there are so many ways to communicate and keep in touch with loved ones, such as through video chats, phone calls, emails, or even sending traditional, handwritten letters. Additionally, creating new traditions or hosting a Christmas party with fellow expats can also help to alleviate the feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of community. Remember that while it may not be easy being away from family during this time, with a little effort, we can still make the holiday season special and memorable.
When you cannot be together physically, try organising an online get-together. You can organise a “bederf boks” for everyone, filled with items like traditional home-baked goodies, biltong and droewors, something to drink and a small gift. Organise games to play like charades. You can also make it a themed party and ask people to dress up.
Below are pages with ideas for online get-togethers and ways to connect cost effectively.
As an ex-pat, it is essential to keep in touch with family and friends from back home. We yearn for news and contact with loved ones, and although we cannot always be physically together, we can at least try to keep in contact virtually.Here is a list of online events that
In today’s world most of us have apps that we use to chat with family back home. But not all our relatives, especially the older ones use smartphones. They still use landlines or a basic mobile phone. There are some affordable options for phone landlines or mobile phones in South
It is possible to send a package from Germany to South Africa, but if you want a reliable service you are going to pay a hefty price. Also, keep in mind that it has to be cleared by SARS. See more information in the linked page below.
Alternatively, you can buy gifts from online shops in South Africa. We did a lot of research and created a list of online shops in South Africa. It is by no means a complete list, and you are welcome to make suggestions via our Contact us form.
Some of these businesses are also listed on our Shops and Services space. Just search for “Gift service in SA”. You can also rate these shops or read what others had to say about their service.
I support and assist South African ex-pats to close the distance with high-quality gifting, connecting their hearts with family & friends when they cannot be together. Without the uncertainty of gifts not arriving safely in the hands of those they love. 1. A personal Giftologist to support you from start to finish with your gifting journey 2. Offering unique and tangible ways to connect with loved ones across South Africa 3. Nationwide gift delivery in
I’m your local gifting girl in South Africa! Click on photos to see our great gift ideas for Father’s day! Do you live overseas or on the outskirts but have family and friends in South Africa? Let me send your family and friends in South Africa their birthday, anniversary, wedding, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any special gift. You can trust that I will get it to them on time and within budget. Tell me
Websites
here is a list of websites where you can send online cards
Create cards online and have them delivered
Create a group card, all participants sign the card
Apps
The weather is not optimal for cold meats and salads, but a nice lamb roast with potatoes and veggies can have a South African flair to it.
We have a page with Christmas recipes, you can also share your own with us. We will add them as they come in
Got a family favourite? We’d love to add it! Share your recipe below. Click here to submit your recipe Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
If you want to experience a more German Christmas, have a look at the German Christmas Traditions. We also have a page with a list of traditional Christmas dishes
A German Christmas: Where Old Traditions Light the Winter Step into a season woven from candle-glow, evergreen scent, and stories whispered through centuries. From the gentle footsteps of St. Nicholas to the quiet hope of Advent Sundays… from markets that sparkle like fairy-tale towns to Christmas trees dressed in timeless beauty—Germany keeps the spirit of Christmas close to the hearth. Discover cherished customs like the Kinder-filled Adventskalender, hand-carved Krippen, twirling Weihnachtspyramiden, and the heartwarming rituals that make this time of year feel like home. Let your journey into German Christmas traditions begin—one golden light at a time. St. Nicholas Day St Nicholas Day, known as Nikolaustag in Germany, is celebrated on the 6th of December. Children leave a pair of cleaned boots outside their door on the evening of the 5th. The boots are then filled with sweets and small gifts. According to legend, Nicholas of Myra gave a poor father money in order to prevent his daughters from being taken into slavery, as the father did not have the funds for his daughters’ dowries. He threw the money through the family’s window, which landed in their shoes, which were drying near their fireplace. Days until Nikolastag Advent Advent is celebrated on the 4 Sundays before Christmas. It is a Christian tradition to prepare for the arrival or coming of Jesus Christ.The first Advent is the first Sunday after 26 November. Advent wreaths have four large candles, which represent the four weeks of Advent and one candle is lit each Sunday. Families spend some quiet and reflective time together and sing Christmas carols. Drinking and eating typical Christmas food like Stollen, Glühwein (mulled wine), roasted almonds and chestnuts The first candle represents Hope, the second Faith, the third Joy and the final candle Peace. Advent Calendar The Advent calendar counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Every day a new door of the calendar is opened to reveal a small chocolate or a gift. Originally they concealed a picture or bible verse. Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum) The first known Christmas tree was set up in 1419 in Freiburg by the town bakers They decorated the tree with fruits, nuts, and baked goods, which the children were allowed to remove and eat on New Year’s Day. In Germany, you set up and decorate the tree on Christmas Eve. It is traditional to use a real fir tree. The tree is taken down in January and there are specific days for disposal Christmas markets Most town squares transform into beautiful Christmas markets. Traditionally there will be a big Christmas tree and Nativity scene (Krippe). Additionally, there are where you can buy delicious food, warm drinks and handmade gifts. It is a wonderful place to meet up with friends for some Glühwein while listening to carol singers Krippe The nativity scene is called a Krippe. It is usually put up in homes, churches and Christmas markets. You can buy the individual pieces at Christmas markets. Look for wooden hand made pieces Weinachtspyramide A wooden carousel with angels and a nativity scene. It has several levels and spins with the help of heat from candles. The larger ones you find at Christmas markets work with electricity Nutcracker dolls Nutcracker dolls originate from late-17th century Germany, particularly the Ore Mountains (German: Erzgebirge) region.The average handmade Nutcracker doll is made from 60 separate pieces and it takes a great deal of time and effort to bring them to life. Every detail of the doll is carefully crafted, from the hair to the clothes and everything in between. They are made to resemble a toy soldier.Traditional Nutcrackers were functional and used to crack nuts, modern ones are more decorative. Schwibbogen Also called a Lichterbogen, is a beautiful decorative arch originating from the Ore Mountains in Germany. The Schwibbogen is traditionally made of wood and features intricate cut-out designs, often depicting scenes from daily life or folklore. They are illuminated with candles or electric lights, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere. They also hold cultural significance for the people of the Ore Mountains. The Schwibbogen is believed to symbolize a coal mine’s entrance, highlighting the region’s important mining history. Additionally, many Schwibbogen feature religious motifs, representing the Christian roots of the Ore Mountain communities. Christmas Eve Time to set up the tree, enjoy a simple meal with family and exchange gifts.The traditional meal for the 24th consists of carp, boiled potatoes, cucumber salad and lemon slices. Another alternative is Sausages with potato salad Christmas Day Many families attend church services and sing traditional Christmas carolsA large meal is traditionally eaten in the afternoon or early evening. Typical dishes include Roast goose or duck stuffed with apples, chestnuts, onions or prunes. Dumplings and Red cabbage with onions and apples are served as side dishes. Days until Christmas
German Christmas Recipes From the sweet aroma of Zimtsterne and Vanillekipferl to the heartwarming flavors of Stollen and roasted goose, German Christmas treats are more than food—they’re memories. Explore our curated list of websites to discover authentic recipes and bring the joy of a traditional German Christmas into your kitchen. Typical Christmas food Zimtsterne Pfeffernüsse Vanillekipferl Lebkuchen Ausstechplätzchen (cut out cookies) Spekulatius Spritzgebäck Linzer Plätzchen Kokosmakronen Dominosteine Engelsaugen Rumkugeln Stollen Spitsbuben Glühwein. Eierpunsch. Heiße Schokolade (preferably spiked with some rum!) Feuerzangenbowle. Jagertee. Glühbier. Grog. Kinderpunsch Roasted Goose Red cabbage Dumplings Roasted Rosenkohl List of websites German Culture – Christmas Recipes German girl in America – Christmas Dinner My best German Recipes Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
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