It’s a time for sharing and giving.
But many across the world are excluded from this generosity.
For the homeless, Christmas is just another reminder of their plight.
Reporter Jayed-Leigh Paulse visited some of the familiar faces on the streets of Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape.
She spoke to Joleen Finnis, who is raising her sister’s four children.
The family is squatting in a dilapidated building in the city. Although they don’t know where their next meal will come from, Joleen still she feels gratitude.
“I don’t know how I will be celebrating Christmas because we have nothing, but I am still alive and I thank the Lord above for this and the days I see, and I will always say thank you and will always be thankful to him that’s what Christmas means to me.”
Joleen and her nephews is spending Christmas Day hoping for food handouts.
So will Noel Williams, who has been living on the streets for 19 years.
He celebrated his 68th birthday on Christmas Eve, reading his favourite book.
Noel makes and sells trinkets, work he says, keeps his idle hands busy.
“Often people see your situation that you need help and then they bring food and cool drink and money so I am looking forward to a happy Christmas,” says Noel.
Noel says Christmas reminds him of the importance of family.
“My daughter committed suicide; my son is stinking rich in Joburg. We don’t see eye to eye, but I say happy Christmas to everybody.”
Watch report below:
