Every year around the holiday season, people celebrate many different holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Yet many people don’t know what those holidays are, why we celebrate them, and what is involved.
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday during the festive season. Christmas dates all the way back to the 4th century and is a Christian holiday. We celebrate Christmas on December 25th to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ through love, peace, and hope. Many people will go to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas to celebrate it. Although Christmas is mainly a Christian holiday, there are also many other traditions. It can include decorating trees with ornaments, stringing lights, hanging wreaths, and putting out nativity scenes. As well as giving gifts, exchanging presents, and filling stockings. Many people also bake cookies or other holiday-themed treats. Singing Christmas carols, watching holiday movie classics, or ice skating are some common Christmas activities you might do. Some might put out milk and cookies for Santa or have an Elf on the Shelf as well. Christmas definitely puts everyone in a very jolly mood!
Another common holiday, Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, is celebrated in December. It is celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. It celebrates the religious freedom of Jewish identity. A menorah lighting plays a key role in this holiday, symbolizing light over darkness and triumph. You would typically light one every day for eight days. Oily foods are also involved, such as latkes, which are potato pancakes, or sufganiyot, which are jelly-filled donuts. Playing the Dreidel Game is also a big part of Hanukkah. Other traditions include gelts and gifts, songs, stories, and many more. Hanukkah is a significant tradition for many people around the world!
The last main holiday celebrated is Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st, by African Americans and people of the African diaspora to honor their history and communal values. It is more of a cultural celebration, not a religious one. Each day is dedicated to one of the Swahili words representing values. Each of the seven days, one candle is lit, with the black candle being first lit. The black candle represents the people, then it alternates between red and green. Red being a struggle and green being the future. There is a Karamu or feast held usually on December 31st, including African, Southern, and Caribbean cuisine. Many other traditions include honoring ancestors and elders, Zawadi or gift giving on the 1st of January, and reflection. Kwanzaa is a very important cultural event celebrated yearly by many!
Overall, these holidays shape the world we live in today. They bring together many people for a time of celebration and comfort. They also remind people of the true meaning behind them.
