Mr Mandela, 94, was taken to the hospital two weeks ago, already treatment of lung infection and gallstones.
In South Africa on his health more and more attention.
Mr Mandela was sentenced to imprisonment for 27 years, leading white minority rule struggle.
He is considered to be the father of the most south africans, arouse their fight for democracy.
Public anxiety
"The former President nelson mandela will spend Christmas in hospital, his doctors confirmed that" the government's statement said.
The British broadcasting company Karen Allen in Johannesburg report said that as time goes on, more and more public anxiety Mr Mandela's health.
Is the hope that he will be allowed to be at home for Christmas, but his doctors perform he still uncomfortable, she said.
Although the President Jacob zuma, Mr Mandela was described as "serious," he said, he has been in the "response" to treat exercise, our correspondent adds.
The government says, he was treated for a regular lung infection in a hospital in the capital Pretoria.
He also moved an operation to remove gallstones.
Mr Mandela had tuberculosis in the 1980 s, in the custody of the sea breeze blowing LuoBenDao prison.
He was taken to a hospital for treatment, in the past two years in three.
In January 2011, he was regarded as a serious lung infection in Johannesburg.
In February this year, he again live in Johannesburg hospital, because of abdominal pain. He was released the next day tests showed no serious.
Mr Mandela to live in a small village Qunu, in the eastern cape, where he said he spent his childhood is the most happy time.
In 2004 he retired from public life, has a rare public appearance since, although he still will receive a high-profile visitors.
Former US President Bill Clinton visited Mr. Mandela in July.
Jacob zuma, calls for South Africa to pray for him.




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