1 Digital
The wish lists are never-ending and you have your hands in your hair with finding gifts. With so many local stores offering online shopping options, you can pick and choose from the comfort of your couch, or bed for insomnia online shoppers. Some of the retailers even have an online shopping app for your convenience, so while on the App Store or Google Play, have a look at all the fun Christmas apps to keep the children entertained.
2 Pro Tip
While others are getting a tan on the beach or planning their white European Christmas holiday, many are working
during the festive time. Make it fun and festive, bring festive treats for tea time, decorate the office, and there are so
many local special festive events to attend after hours with the family. Visit a Christmas market, watch a show or
a Christmas movie, plan a festive night of Christmas carolling with the children. They will appreciate your efforts. Don’t
go overboard with those holiday spirit cocktails if you are working the next day.
3 Food For Thought
We all love a special gift this time of year, but remember family and togetherness is what the season is about. Quality time spent with family and friends and making memories with laughter and joy is more important than bags of gifts. A
home-made baked treat will make everyone feel special and loved.
4 Local Is Lekker
Check out your local newspaper for festive events in your area. With so many carols by candlelight events, markets, light extravaganzas and adventure options, we are spoilt for choice. Sit together as a family and let everyone add their favourite event to the holiday calendar wish list.
5 Herb Remedy
Rosemary, the Christmas herb, has long been associated with Christmas tradition and has almost lost its place in the holiday pantheon at the beginning of the last century. It has since rebounded in recent years. Creatively entwined into a wreath for a serviette ring, it fills the air in your home with a fragrant scent. It adds flavour to holiday dishes or cocktails and even comes disguised as a tree! Add Christmas decorations and voila. Check our video online for the festive adult mix with rosemary and pomegranates.
6 Check It Out
It’s time to mingle and jingle. Get the family spellbound and festive, take them to see Gauteng’s biggest holiday light show. The Garden of Lights at Emperors Palace takes place in the gardens of Emperors Palace’s D’oreale Grande Hotel from November 29 to January 5. Pre-booking essential. Tickets are sold by time slots.
7 Community Star and Charity
Our furry friends also need love this season. Support them and donate to the SPCA Cheer Fund. Give what you can, every little donations helps.
8 Have You Seen It Yet?
Watch a show with the family, there are plentiful options out all over Johannesburg.
- Seussical – Holiday fun for the child in everyone at Gold Reef City (December 20 to January 16).
- Peter Pan On Ice – Take a journey to Neverland in the classic tale of magic and make-believe staged on real ice at Montecasino (December 6 to January 11).
- Joburg Zoo – Festival of Lights (December 1 to January 5, 7pm – 10pm).
- Janice Honeyman’s Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime (until December 22 at Joburg Theatre).
9 Festive Table
A beautiful and colourful table can really set the scene. Pack every salad or dessert you can think of in the shape of a Christmas wreath. Cut your cheese or fruit in to festive shapes like stars or Christmas trees. Use some eucalyptus, cypress twigs or rosemary to add some greenery to your table.
Even when you are having a picnic make it fancy, add a few special and cheerful elements. First have a look at table-decorating elements you already have at home and maybe you can add a few items to bring some trimming and colour in, like serviettes or candles. Colour trends for this festive season is midnight blue, indigo, sage, white and aquamarine with a splash of gold or even blushing pink and gold.
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