What Is Life Like in Zimbabwe?
A Look at Christmas Traditions and Shona Culture
Life in Zimbabwe is rich in culture, family values, and strong community ties. One of the best ways to understand the Zimbabwean lifestyle is by looking at how people celebrate Christmas. This holiday is a big event across the country and offers a real glimpse into the heart of Zimbabwean traditions, especially among the Shona people.
Christmas in Zimbabwe: A Time for Family and Joy
Christmas in Zimbabwe is more than just a religious celebration—it’s a time when the whole country comes together. People from all walks of life join in the joy. Whether they live in the city or the rural areas (called kumusha), Zimbabweans prepare for this special time of year with excitement.
Many families plan for Christmas months in advance. It’s a national holiday, so most people get time off work. This makes it easy for everyone to take part in the celebrations. Some people travel from the cities to their rural homes to be with extended family, while others stay in town. Either way, Christmas is a time to relax and reconnect with loved ones.
A National Holiday That Brings Everyone Together
Christmas is officially recognized as a public holiday in Zimbabwe. It brings together both Christians and non-Christians. While not everyone may celebrate in the same way, most Zimbabweans mark the occasion with gatherings, food, and joy. Family unity is a strong value in Zimbabwean culture, and Christmas is one of the best times to see this in action.
How Zimbabweans Celebrate Christmas
The main day is December 25. On Christmas morning, many Christians attend church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. They sing Christmas carols and give thanks. After church, families gather at home to enjoy food, give gifts, and spend time together.
Preparations begin well before Christmas Day. People shop for new clothes, food, and presents. Dressing up is an important part of the celebration. In fact, for some people, Christmas is the only time of year they wear new clothes. Parties are full of music, dancing, and laughter—a true display of Zimbabwean spirit and joy.
How Zimbabweans Celebrate Christmas: Food, Music, and Togetherness
In Zimbabwe, Christmas is all about sharing. On this day, it’s common for people to visit friends, neighbours, or relatives—sometimes just to say “Merry Christmas,” have a snack, or enjoy a short chat. Hospitality is a big part of Zimbabwean Christmas traditions. Homes are open to visitors, and it’s normal to prepare extra food, just in case guests stop by.
Sharing food is a key part of Zimbabwean culture, especially during Christmas. Families often prepare large meals to enjoy with guests. The most popular Christmas dish is rice and chicken. Some people cook turkey, while others—especially those hosting big family gatherings—may prepare traditional meals by slaughtering a goat or cow. These feasts are the highlight of the day!
Christmas Music and Celebrations
After the big meal, it’s time to party! Zimbabweans love music, and Christmas is the perfect excuse to turn up the volume. People bring out their big speakers and play their favourite songs—usually energetic and fun music, not necessarily religious. Dancing, singing, and celebrating with family and friends is how many choose to enjoy the rest of the day.
Decorations and Santa Claus
While some families decorate their homes for Christmas, it’s not the main focus. In Zimbabwe, togetherness and quality time matter more than decorations. The idea of Father Christmas (Santa Claus) exists, especially for young children. Many believe he brings gifts early on Christmas morning, but it’s not as big a tradition as in Western cultures.
Why Christmas Is the Most Popular Holiday in Zimbabwe
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in Zimbabwe. Almost everyone takes part, regardless of religious background. It’s a time for family reunions, rest, and celebration.
Many Zimbabweans have two homes—one in the city and one in the rural areas (kumusha). This comes from colonial times when men had to work in cities while families remained in villages. Today, that tradition still lives on, and during Christmas, most people travel to the countryside to be with their families.
Family Reunions and Year-End Bonuses
Christmas is a time when businesses often close, giving people a chance to travel and spend time with loved ones. It’s also common—though not legally required—for companies to give Christmas bonuses as a thank-you to their workers. This makes the season even more joyful and allows families to celebrate in style.
During family gatherings, many Zimbabweans enjoy a barbecue (locally called “braai”) where goat or beef is roasted over an open fire. These meals are more than just food—they’re a celebration of culture, connection, and tradition.
While celebrations may vary slightly depending on where you are in Zimbabwe, the heart of Christmas remains the same: joy, family, music, and food.
Final Thoughts
We hope this gives you a clear picture of how Christmas is celebrated in Zimbabwe, especially among the Shona people. If you have any questions or would love to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
