This Christmas will be the first the Chiume family spends without Award-winning Gomora and Black Panther actress Connie Chiume (72) since her passing in August. Her family announced the untimely passing on 6 August after being hospitalised at Garden City Hospital from an undisclosed illness. Although she was loved the world over for her commitment for the roles she played; to her family, she was a kind, loving and caring mom. This festive season will not be the same for her family as they host Christmas and New Year's without their mom and granny.  

MISSING HER

The middle child and Mam Connie's son, Nongelo who also double-up as her manager, said this year will be tough for their family. "This year will be a difficult one without such a strong pillar- Christmas will never be the same again," Nongelo said.

He will miss the family gatherings and festivities around this time of the year when the family comes together for braais, cookouts, and lunches. "This year we have decided to gather at mom's home with close family and friends and keep the spirit," he said. "We want to uphold the strong family unity and values she instilled in us." Although she won't be around, they remember how she loved to dance and they will do the same. "We will be dancing in her memory as she would show all dances there," he chuckled.

FAMILY TIME

Mam Connie's daughter and last-born, Thando, said growing up, every Christmas their mom made sure they had treats and holiday outfits. "Our mother would buy presents and place them on the Christmas tree and we would only open them after the 25th," she said. "We loved going for Christmas shopping," she added.

FESTIVE FEASTING

The eldest, Tumi, will miss his mom's Christmas lunch. "My mom would cook up a storm. She would start the night before and invite family members and friends over while she cooked. We would have lunch and end off with a braai in the evening. Those memories I will always cherish." Tumi loved the feasts. "She would cook all sorts of meats and salads and my favourite was the garmon meat and smoked cow tongue."