Not only are essential workers missing out on quality time with their families, but so are some destitute, who rely on discarded food and other materials.

Those who live at the Swakopmund dumpsite go about their daily lives, hoping to gather more food given the festive season.

It's Family Day, but for the residents of Swakopmund who collect scrap material, it's an ordinary day, one they are still thankful for.

A few of them don't feel the need to observe the Christian holiday, stating that with the high unemployment rate in the country, they can't choose to be at ease, destitute, and scraping the bottom of the barrel.

"The reason we are here is due to poverty, our kids didn't make it in school to support us, therefore, we have to find other means of survival. We are collecting this tin to go and sell at the scrap yard to get something for bread."

They regard the dumpsite as their home, and to each other, they are a family.

"The reason why we are here is that we don't have work, so we come here to collect these tins, and if we get the money, we use it for our families, for food, and we take care of our families with it."

However, spending a Family Day away from their own is difficult.

"I wish for my family's strength because they don't stay with me. I longed to go to the farm, but I did not have anything."

For many Namibians, the day means new clothes, lots of presents, and good food.

And for the homeless community, it's just another day to fight to survive.

With fewer people out and about, it makes it harder for them to make ends meet off the streets.