Although the majority of Christmas carols depict beautiful, snowy white Christmases spent in front of cosy fireplaces, I’m sure you know, this is not the case for everyone. For many people around the world, Seychelles being one of them, there is no such thing as a white Christmas. Instead, it’s a warm, tropical occasion with lots of beach parties.
That being said, just because we don’t get snow and have absolutely no use for fireplaces, there remain a number of similarities in how the Seychellois people celebrate this special occasion.
In fact, many visitors who come to the Seychelles at Christmas time can enjoy much of the same things as they would at home. But instead of the cold, crisp winter, they can enjoy Christmas in the warm sunshine. For many this is a great and unique experience.
What Christmas is like in Seychelles?
Despite the sunshine and warm weather, Christmas in Seychelles still keeps to some of the most popular traditions from around the world.
Religious Celebration and Mass
The majority of Seychelles’ population is Roman Catholic, and so Christmas is a huge religious celebration on the islands. It is in fact one of the biggest religious celebrations of the year with many people attending Christmas Day mass. Midnight mass in particular is a favourite for many and most churches around the islands are at maximum capacity during this service, with many having to attend the service from outside. It is common for entire families to attend Christmas mass together, taking the opportunity to visit the nativity scenes (mangers) that are set up in or around the churches.
Festive Decorations
Similar to other countries around the world, Christmas decorations are erected all over the islands. The capital city, Victoria, is lit up with festive lights and bright ornaments. It’s a spectacular sight and attracts many visitors in the evenings. Families walk around the streets of Victoria admiring these decorations and posing for photos.
Homes and shops are also decorated with lights and other Christmas decorations, both inside and outside.
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are a necessity at Christmas time and Seychelles is no exception. You’re bound to find at least one Christmas tree in each place you visit during the holiday season. These are decorated with ornaments, lights and garland with many displaying make-believe gifts underneath. Most people use plastic Christmas trees that they re-use each year, although some do get fresh ones.
Christmas Carols
You know that Christmas is approaching once the radio starts to play Christmas carols. In Seychelles, this will usually start in October at some stage, usually towards the end. As with everywhere else, festive music plays a great role in getting everyone prepared and geared up for the Christmas period. It’s not unusual for residents to blast Christmas carols from their cars or homes. It’s just a sign that people are getting into the Christmas spirit.
Festive Menus
During the holiday period, most hotels and restaurants will offer special Christmas menus in order to celebrate the special occasion. This will typically include turkey or ham along with roasted vegetables and other Christmas staples, such as Christmas pudding.
Many large hotels will go all out to ensure their guests are able to enjoy the holidays to the fullest extent with that special Creole twist. Along with Christmas dinner, this can also include live bands, dancing as well as raffles and other events.
Gifting
We all know that Christmas is a time for giving. In Seychelles, it is commonplace to exchange gifts between friends, family and colleagues at Christmas time. There are also organisations which put together events and other functions for those less fortunate such as orphanages. Just like everywhere else, Christmas time in the Seychelles has a tendency to bring people together.
Family Gatherings
Christmas in Seychelles is very much a family oriented holiday. It is common for families to join together in the celebrations and it’s not unusual for a number of gatherings and parties to take place during this time. Although many families host their parties in their homes, beach parties are also popular, at Christmas and every other time of year.
Seychellois parties will typically involve a lot of alcohol, loud music, dancing and a lot of food. You’ll usually find that the guests of the party each prepare a few dishes which they all then bring with them. It basically ends up becoming a huge buffet for all.
New Year’s in Seychelles
New Year’s in Seychelles is also a huge celebration. Many people opt to go out and celebrate with their close circle of friends and you’ll find that places such as discotheques and bars are packed to the brim on New Year’s Eve.
Unlike most other countries, the Seychellois are given an extra day on the 2nd of January as a public holiday. This gives them a much needed day to recoup after all the partying. It is balanced out however, as Seychelles does not have Boxing Day or any public holiday on the 26th of December. This is a normal working day for all.
Feel like spending a Christmas in Seychelles?
So far as Christmas in Seychelles is concerned, it really is pretty much just like anywhere else, bar the snow and cold. It’s a time for celebration, festive decorations, great food and lots of parties.
Whereas some people jump at the chance of spending the Christmas holidays in a warm, tropical climate, others are not so keen because to them it ‘just doesn’t feel like Christmas’. And although that may be true, a Seychellois Christmas in the sun is definitely something you should experience at least once in your lifetime.
Related Posts:
Great post