Presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj said Wednesday that 94-year-old Mandela's condition "remains as it was yesterday."
President Jacob Zuma had joined Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, and other family members in wishing a Merry Christmas to Mandela at his hospital bedside in Pretoria, the South African capital.
Mandela, a leader of the anti-apartheid movement, was diagnosed with a lung infection and also had a procedure to remove gallstones. Officials have said Mandela is improving, but note doctors are taking extraordinary care because of his age.
