Christmas

Because most of the population is Christian, Christmas is a national holiday in Lesotho. Traditions at Christmas in Lesotho are very similar to that in Western countries. People usually go to church with the entire family, except for some of the younger men. At church, they will sing and pray, along with reading the bible to celebrate the birth of Christ. These activities last from about 10 pm until 4 or 5 am. Christmas is also an opportunity for a family reunion when people cook foods together. They often bake cakes, bread, sweets, making salads, jelly custard, vegetables, and meat. Some families will slaughter sheep, goats, or chickens for food, but they do not slaughter pigs or cattle during the winter months. Others will prepare and serve joala, which takes 4 days to prepare, and beer, of course.

More excitingly, children will receive two new outfits for Christmas. The first will be worn on Christmas Day, and the second will be worn on Boxing Day, December 26. Even adults will wear Christmas clothes if the family has enough money, and people will decorate our homes with new tablecloths and curtains.

When: December 24th and 25th

Where: All across the country