More than 1,500 senior citizens were treated to a Christmas lunch and received shopping vouchers to get them through the festive season by Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes.

Forbes also paid a visit to old-age homes in surrounding areas that were out of reach.

It was an atmosphere filled with music and decorations reflecting the Christmas season.

Walvis Bay Mayor Trevino Forbes stated that humanity requires one to reach out to others, particularly the vulnerable.

Windhoek residents have taken to recreational facilities to celebrate Christmas with family.

For many Namibians, the Christmas holiday serves as the perfect escape from many of one's problems and offers a chance to reconnect.

While some have achieved major milestones this year, for others, it's been a year filled with regret and loss.

As such, many use these holidays as an opportunity to connect with family and remind themselves of what truly matters.

For many homeless individuals, Christmas is just another difficult day.

The holiday season can be particularly difficult for them, as they are often faced with loneliness and hunger.

Little is left for them as they rummage through the bins because people have gone away for holidays.

As the city becomes quieter, the homeless population continues to beg on the streets, but they feel even more isolated and vulnerable.

There are organisations and shelters in Windhoek that strive to provide some comfort and support to the homeless during Christmas.

The Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, and Omusati regions have recorded a decline in crime-related incidents during the Christmas period.

However, those topping the chart are rape and suicide.

Two rape cases were recorded at Ohangwena on Christmas Eve.

It is alleged that a 56-year-old woman who was returning home from cuca shops at around eleven o'clock in the night was raped by two youths, ages 20 and 22. 

One allegedly held her down while the other one raped her. The duo left behind evidence that led to their identification and subsequent arrest.

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.

Otjozondjupa Governor James Uerikua, as part of the Christmas celebration and in heeding the call of sharing with and showing love to the less fortunate, has reached out to the inhabitants of Gam settlement with various activities.

Family being a fundamental unit of any society, Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has called on the nation to create an orderly society where children grow up in an environment of peace and harmony, strengthening and instilling in them good moral values of love, kindness, and compassion.

Mbumba said this in a Christmas message to the nation.

In his Christmas message, the Vice President implored all to share love and happiness with the little ones—the country's future developers, defenders, and leaders, he says. 

President Hage Geingob says that as the country celebrates Christmas, it should look back and reflect on the difficult journey that has been taken, with the hope that better days are ahead and with a positive outlook and renewed enthusiasm.

"Although the past year has not been easy for all of us, we are mindful that our challenges are not bigger than us, and as a nation, we will rise again and offer our best in the coming year. It is gratifying that, as a united people, we demonstrated resilience and patience with the knowledge that after every storm comes sunshine," he added.

Back in the day, the holiday season was known as a time for families to gather and have fun.
 
Nowadays, some senior citizens say the season has turned into more individual vacations, with jobs taking up much of families' time.
 
Elisabeth Adams explains that, growing up, the festive season was an important period for families, especially on Christmas day, but these days some young people just rush off to the coast and have no time for their families.
 

Windhoek is not entirely deserted. Although shopping malls are not as full of shoppers as one would normally see, hairdressers are kept busy.

Visibly, salons are packed with customers, either for a new haircut or having their hair done, as the mood of the festive season kicks in.

This week at least, hairdressers are making some cash, at least before the town becomes quieter, and they are happy with how the business is going right now.

Customers are preparing for Christmas, which they plan to celebrate with their families.