Preparations are underway for the end of year holidays and welcoming in 2012. However, celebrations in Africa may be toned down this year compared to previous years as the cost of living soars across the continent. 

Mark Kapchanga from Nairobi, Kenya, said things look different this year and the likelihood of he and most of his friends not celebrating is high.

"Nairobians are known for their hard working and hard playing and living by the slogan 'spend for today as tomorrow will always take care of itself,' but the scenario is likely to change this year as Christmas celebrations approach," Kapchanga said.

The scenario in question is attributed to the current biting inflation, almost 20 percent, which has shackled people's wallets.

According to Kapchanga, this year many have already made a plan to travel to their rural homes and spend $50 on nyama choma (the popular roasted meat) rather than splash out $500 in Nairobi for drinks and food in upmarket eateries, as was the custom in the past.

Also what is more likely to dampen this year's celebrations in Kenya is the rising insecurity in the country due to the Islamist militant organizationAl-Shabaab threats. Kenya's military is currently engaging with Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

Sanday Chongo Kabange from Zambia said celebrations at year-end would be a mixture of partying and praising with the more elderly and religious celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

"The young and hip mainly go out to watch fireworks displays, drink alcohol and just make merryover Christmas and New Year," Kabange said.

In Zimbabwe people usually head for the rural areas to celebrate the holidays as many companies close from December 18 to January 3. In the towns and cities, people head for bars and shebeens (illegal drinking halls) and enjoy roasted goat meat. Many international singers are invited to perform at venues around the country to add excitement to the celebrations. 

"It's a season of joy, love and happiness," said Nqaba Machazi from Harare, Zimbabwe.

As the year-end gets closer, it's a popular practice for many hawkers around Rwanda's capital Kigali to sell plastic Christmas trees and inflatable Santas along with decorative lights. Meats are roasted, favorite dishes prepared, gifts exchanged and family visits made.

Also in Rwanda during Christmas celebrations various religious leaders are involved in different activities sharing the event with those less fortunate, like orphans and widows. Church leaders see Christmas as a day of reconciliationbetween people and God, renewing the call to share and give the poor a sense of belonging.

Godfrey Ntagungira who lives in Rwanda, but grew up in Uganda, said Christmas is the best day to give gifts to loved ones. The most common items bought at this time of year is a new set of clothes to be worn to the main Christmas church service

"As a Christian, I see Christmas as the time to think about Jesus and the love he gave to us, and I think that's why many people go to church," he said.

As in most Christian cultures Christmas is a public holiday and celebrating Christmas dinner with friends and family tops the list after attending church.

"I remember one of my old Christmas memories in Uganda is walking in a group of young children after church and going door to door in the neighborhood eating and dancing," recalled Maria Kaitesi.

Another Ugandan, Hamza Nkutu, a Muslim, believes that Christmas in Africa is a time for family gathering and exchanging gifts.

 "Things are changing, before people would be with their families, break from work and spend money like there is no tomorrow, but now some even work [over Christmas] and there is no overspending, but rather a day of accountability and planning for the next year," he said.

How to Say Merry Xmas in Africa

In Akan (Ghana) Afishapa
In Zimbabwe Merry Kisimusi
In Afrikaans (South Africa) Geseënde Kersfees
In Zulu (South Africa) Sinifisela Ukhisimusi Omuhle
In Swazi (Swaziland) Sinifisela Khisimusi Lomuhle
In Sotho (Lesthoto) Matswalo a Morena a Mabotse
In Swahili (Tanzania, Kenya) Kuwa na Krismasi njema
In Amharic (Ethiopia) Melkam Yelidet Beaal
In Egyptian (Egypt) Colo sana wintom tiebeen
In Yoruba (Nigeria) E ku odun, e hu iye' dun!

(Reporting from Rwanda)