It was two nights before Christmas when Father Christmas made a stop in Kelvin, chanting Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!
The Kelvin Residents’ Association (KRA) pulled together in 2023 to close the year off as a unified community over Carols by Candlelight hosted by the association on December 22.
The event, which was held at Fairway Park, was special for how it brought together families from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds to celebrate Christmas together.
The miracle of religious unity was born in Kelvin that night, as the stars twinkled serenely in the beautiful, clear skies overhead – as angelic carols filled the air.
Community member and Kelvin CPF secretary Fiona Sedat described Kelvin as being a ‘rainbow suburb, like our rainbow nation’, in describing the synergies which brought members to Carol together.
“We have different cultures, different religions, and I as a Muslim feel we need to get into the spirit to celebrate together the true spirit of community.,” Sedat said. “We want this to be the first of many more. We want all the kids that come along tonight to remember it as an experience to keep on doing it year after year with their kids, and their kids.”
The inaugural event was organised to serve as a vehicle for building a stronger community, said KRA social director Natalie Ferreira.
“Our community, in collaboration with the St Johannes Lutheran Church, captured the spirit of the season,” Ferreira said. “The melodies of Christmas carols echoed through the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that brought the community together.”
The event was opened in prayer, which was followed up with the duo of Abigail Danso and Kemi Olatunji accompanying the community in carol singing, while everyone waited for Father Christmas to arrive.
Santa Claus, portrayed by Kelvin resident Gabriel Bramblin, arrived in a sleigh (a caravan pulled on a bakkie), with elves and reindeer in tow for the ride. Father Christmas gave gifts to all the young guests, as well as taking pictures with each and all.
Carols by Candlelight in Kelvin offered a relaxing, tranquil environment for families to gather and sing songs of unity together over the most popular holiday weekend of the year.
