While many spent Christmas in the comfort of their homes, for some it has become a family tradition to be outdoors at one of Durban’s popular picnic spots. The beaches also drew scores of visitors.
Clear blue skies and a cool sea breeze are perfect conditions for a Christmas outing. Add in a braai and a special dish or two to make the day complete. That is what drove holidaymakers to Blue Lagoon.
“Every year in December I come here with my family and friends to pray and also enjoy Christmas festivities in Durban,” says holidaymaker Esther Komane.
Another holidaymaker Lwazi Shabalala says, “Coming here on Christmas Day has become our family tradition. We come here for the sea breeze. A lot of people are remaining in our township. “
The families say they do not miss the traditional home gatherings. Even prominent political leaders are having fun in the sun. One of the politicians who was spotted is Economic Freedom Fighters Commissar Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi.
The police also kept a close eye with increased patrols and deploying at all exit and entry points at popular spots.
Traditional Christmas biscuits
And finally… what would Christmas Day be in some homes without the traditional box of Christmas biscuits.
Some families have gone as far as waiting for specific family members to do the honour of opening the so-called box of happiness.
Zitho Mvelase from Umlazi, south of Durban, and her family spent the day at the Blue Lagoon. Keeping a close watch over the sealed box, Mvelase says they are waiting for the family breadwinner to do the honour.
“We decided to come here to enjoy with other nations like Indians – we are multi-racial now. we decided to come and being outside not indoors; we are happy here, enjoying the sea breeze and everything and seeing people is a nice thing. Oh, the biscuits there is no Christmas without these biscuits. I think each and every family has these biscuits. We are not opening it just because we are waiting for our breadwinner to open it. If we opened it we are not going to sleep at home. So now we are waiting for him…
