Why do we celebrate the holidays?

Now that it is January, the holiday season is has concluded! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, they all have something in common. Take a wild guess. No, it’s not the week you get off from school, and no it is not the presents that you receive. It’s the family and friends you get to spend time with that matter the most! If you have any siblings, friends, and family members, make sure to spread the holiday cheer with them. It’s the time of the year to celebrate, give, and receive!

There are many different holidays celebrated in December, but the most commonly celebrated holidays in the United States are Kwanza, Christmas and Hanukkah. Many people believe that Christmas celebrates the birthday of Jesus Christ, the major religious leader from the religion of Christianity, which is one of the biggest religions in the world. However, many of the earliest celebrations of Christmas have originated in Rome. It was believed that this holiday was to honor the end of the harvest season and the winter solstice. But, it has been modernized to be a holiday of gift-giving and celebration. 

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday where those who celebrate cherish the candle that burned for eight days instead of burning for just one day. This miracle happened around 200 B.C. where there was to be assumed, only enough olive oil to keep the candles on the menorah burning for a single day. However, the oil kept the candles burning for eight days. This sensation in the past inspired what is now known today as Hanukkah. It commemorates this moment by having eight days of celebrations with many festivities such as eating latkes and playing the dreidel game. 

Kwanzaa is an alternative to Christmas and it is a celebration that celebrates African-American culture and its history, values, and community. It lasts for seven days, starting on December 26th and ending on January 1st. Similarly to the traditions that are celebrated in Hanukkah, people light a special candle holder called a kinara. Each of the candles represent one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. These principles include, unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. In addition, this tradition lights a different candle everyday of the celebration to show the seven principles. Many people also enjoy sharing talents and reflecting on the principle of the day. 

To conclude, there are many holidays that are celebrated over the last month of the year. In our homes and in the community, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday: there is a sense of belonging when you share these festivities with friends and family. This ties all of us together and it is really something to keep in mind when you gather with those you love to celebrate. Happy holidays, and have a great new year!