Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year—unless you’re one of the millions of non-Christians who live in a Western Country, but don’t celebrate it. Then you’re stuck with a world mostly shut down and seemingly nothing to do. Fortunately, you have quite a few options, whether you’re along or with friends, to make December 25th a fun day off regardless of your observances.
Movies
For entertainment, movies represent a traditional choice. Numerous films premiere on Christmas day, attracting both holiday celebrants and those who do not partake in the festivities. In the past, Ster Kinekor has even offered discounts and specials to movie screenings on Christmas day, making it a top choice even if you have just finished lunch and want something to do.
Embrace the Role of a Tourist
Tourist attractions, particularly in major cities, typically maintain their operation on Christmas. This encompasses sites like the table mountain cableway, and the Johannesburg Zoo. Discover the local attractions in your area, as they often offer special Christmas hours. Moreover, many tourist attractions are accessible even without being officially open. Exploring monuments or historical landmarks can be a cost-free way to enjoy the day.
Go to the Beach, hike or Park
Christmas day is traditionally a busy day on South Africa’s beaches due to the wonderful weather, but other attractions can be quieter than at any other time of the year. Embrace your wild side and take to the hiking trails near your city, or stop over in local parks to get a true sense of the isolation and peace that usually only comes with a pandemic lockdown.
Reserve a Hotel Room
If you have discretionary funds and no other plans, consider booking a hotel room. Hotels typically remain operational on Christmas, offering a range of amenities including good food. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to contact them in advance to ascertain if any special Christmas day restrictions apply.
Volunteer
If you find yourself with spare time on Christmas, consider using it for volunteering to assist those in need. Explore possibilities at local homeless shelters and non-profit organizations. Christmas is a busy time for many NGOs as it can also be extremely lonely for those without families. Your assistance would therefore be absolutely invaluable.
Use Christmas as a Productive Day
Are your friends and family out of town? Have you been neglecting chores, work, hobbies, or personal projects? Even though tackling tasks may not be your ideal day off activity, you can dedicate part of your day to completing items on your to-do list and the remainder to relaxation. This way, you can enjoy a break while still achieving a sense of accomplishment.
Spend Quality Time with Friends and Family at Home
Just because you don’t celebrate Christmas itself doesn’t preclude you from spending the day with loved ones. Engage in games, watch a movie, cook together, converse, or partake in activities that all enjoy. Fun can be had without venturing out, so don’t discount the option of staying in with cherished individuals.
These represent merely a selection of possibilities. Numerous local activities and attractions, such as arcades, laser tag venues, spas, and sports clubs, often maintain their operations on Christmas day even if it’s for restricted hours. Although we cannot enumerate them all here, a few calls to local establishments can reveal whether they plan to stay open, potentially yielding surprising options.
It is extremely important, that whatever you decide to do, you phone ahead. In most instances, this will only require 15-20 minutes of your time and can help you avoid unforeseen disappointments during the day.
