At this festive time of year, people around the world are gathering with friends and family to celebrate a variety of special days from different cultures and religions.
On December 25, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. Traditionally, Christians attend midnight mass on December 24 or Christmas Day mass with family and friends and gather for a feast and exchange gifts.
December 25 also marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish celebration of the miracle of the cruse oil. Hanukkah is observed by lighting the candles of a menorah, eating oil-based and dairy foods, and playing the game of dreidel.
Beginning on December 26, many people of African descent celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a secular holiday where each day a candle in the kinara is lit to recognize a single principle or traditional value that represents “the best of what it means to be African and human.” These values include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Families and friends gather on the last day of Kwanzaa to share a feast, called Karamu.
And, on January 7 Orthodox Christians around the world who follow the Julian calendar will celebrate Orthodox Christmas.
Happy holidays and all the best in 2025, and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa to those celebrating!
