The Season of Giving

In December, even though everything is frozen and cold, our hearts are filled with warmth and joy. We all get together and celebrate many varieties of holidays: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more; each of which are celebrated by different religions.

On December 25th, Christians celebrate Christmas, or also known as, in their traditions, the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is surrounded by this figure named Santa Claus, Christians believe that he travels around the world in one night; he enters through the chimney when everyone is asleep and eats milk and cookies, and delivers gifts to all the children. Depending on whether you have been naughty or nice, you either get coal or presents.

Maya Tsegaye (7) said “One thing that I like about Christmas is having hot chocolate.”

Hanukkah starts on December 22nd and ends December 30th; This holiday is celebrated by Jewish people. Hanukkah is also known as the commemoration for rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The Jewish celebrate this certain holiday by lighting candles everyday until the number reaches nine, which is the amount of candles there are on a menorah. 

I asked Sarah Kleinschmit (8) about her favorite part of Hanukkah. She replied “My favorite part of the holidays is getting to spend time with my family and friends. One of my favorite foods is latkes.”

Throughout December 26th and January 1st, we have Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a African-Amercia celebration of life. Kwanzaa is celebrated by gift-giving and having a feast. This holiday was made because of Dr. Maulana Karenga response to the commercialism of Christmas. They have seven candles, each for core principals. 

 Sophia Halverson (6) told “My favorite part about Kwanzaa is when we [Sophia’s family] get together.”

However, religion is never an obstacle when it comes to sharing a special holiday with family and friends.