GROWING up in Mariannhill, a rural area without lights and running water, Christmas was one of the most magical times of SAPS communications officer, Jennifer Naidu’s childhood.

More than 40 years later, she said those memories still feel magical – the food, the laughter, and the love shaped her heart and deepened her understanding of Christmas.

“My single mother did everything she could for us, and my uncle played a huge role too. He would fetch my brother and me in his combi, take us Christmas shopping, and let us choose our own Christmas clothes. I still remember being a little girl, proudly choosing a leather skirt and a white leopard-print T-shirt,” recalled Naidu.

As a little girl, she and her family always spent Christmas at his place in Unit 2, Chatsworth.

Also read: IN PICS: Heartwarming Christmas party brings joy to kids

“Those flats were full of life; loud, fun, and overflowing with family. It wasn’t “my house” or “your house”; everyone shared, and neighbours often joined in until the day felt like one big celebration.

“All my cousins would be there, and we’d pile into the combi to go to church together. The sense of togetherness was something unreal, something we rarely see today.”

With her busy schedule throughout the year, Naidu sighed, smiled and said Christmas is her favourite time of the year.

Taking us through her day, she said the day begins with cooking a delicious mutton curry, Christmas carols playing softly in the background, and getting ready for church.

Also read: Christmas decorations light up Durban communities

Her Christmas table is a feast; turkey, curries, pastas, roasts, and desserts all laid out across two to three tables, overflowing with variety. With so much to enjoy, she said one almost doesn’t know where to start, but the real heart of the day is togetherness and the laughter they share.

“I also spend time with my pets, speaking to them at the top of my voice, I always say God built me with a microphone! I am loud, joyful, and expressive, and I’m sure even my neighbours hear me, but that is who I am, a happy person who loves life.”

Family traditions

Asked about family traditions, she said this year is bittersweet because she lost her furbaby, Skye Naidu, on June 20 to cancer.

“He was a big part of my heart, but I take comfort knowing he is safe with Jesus.”

Alongside Skye, Naidu has an African Grey, Sugar Plum.

Also read: Family showcase Christmas spirit

“She is a ministry all on her own. She quotes scripture, sings Christian songs, and fills my home with worship every single day. Anyone who knows me knows Sugar Plum spreads the Word of God in her own special way.”

After church, they visit family in Phoenix and Chatsworth.

“My family is big, we have cousins everywhere and our celebrations are always joyful, loud, and full of love. God’s greatest gift to me is a husband who keeps Jesus at the centre of everything. There is no greater blessing for a wife than a godly man whose prayer is to make his wife happy,” said Naidu.

Decor and light!

Talking about her Xmas decor, Naidu said she has a very large Christmas tree which was a gift from her sister-in-law.

“Decorating it takes time, patience, and love. I enjoy adding many ornaments and lights until it feels warm and festive. I’m blessed with a big garden that has three real Christmas trees, which I decorate as well, along with my door and windows. Decorating brings joy into my home while keeping the true meaning clear: Jesus is the reason for the season.”

The nature and animal lover added that her favourite gifts have always been plants.

“My family and friends know that if they want to make me happy, just give me a plant! Over the years I’ve collected plants, garden ornaments, and especially birdbaths.

“I always say I have eight birdbaths and it’s still not enough! With a yard as big as mine and hundreds of birds visiting every single day, eight birdbaths sometimes feel like a tiny ‘bird hotel’.”

Spreading Christmas cheer

“Christmas is extra special for my two nieces – my sunshine. Over the years, I’ve made their gifts magical, even arranging deliveries that looked like they came from overseas and needed signatures they didn’t yet know how to write!

“Many grown-up children still tell me how special I made their Christmases. Through Sunday School and Wayside Sunday School, I wrapped gifts days in advance so every child felt valued,” she said.

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