The holiday season is a magical time filled with traditions, joy, and feelings of goodwill. Neighborhoods, shopping centers, and homes are decked with festive displays of bright lights and ornate trees. Malls are packed with jolly Santas and helpful elves as well as busy holiday shoppers. You can’t turn a corner without hearing the timeless sentiments of George Michael’s heartbreak and Mariah Carey’s cheery Christmas list being blasted on the surround sound. This time of year makes me wonder what holidays are important to our fellow Stallions, as well as people around the globe, and how others celebrate this special time of year.

Diwali is the Festival of Lights celebrated globally by millions. Diwali commemorates the forces of knowledge over ignorance and lasts for five days. Those who celebrate Diwali may adorn their homes with fragrant jasmine flower garlands. It is customary for women to dress up in beautiful, bright silk sarees when going to a temple. Diwali is all about sharing. Neighbors may share sweet treats, festive dishes, and artisan chocolates with one another. Many recognize this holiday by creating elaborate colorful sand art known as rangoli in the shape of the lotus flower, which is a symbol of welcome. India is filled with colorful lights during this time. Fireworks are a popular way to end the holiday nights. 

“We light fireworks, sparklers and do a light ceremony to celebrate the holiday,” said Gavin Malone (12).

Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish people all over the world. Like Diwali, the dates change each year. This year, Hanukkah is observed from December 14-22. Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean revolt and the struggle for religious freedom. It also celebrates the miracle of the oil, when a single day’s worth of oil lit up the lantern for eight days. To honor this wondrous event, one candle is lit each night on the menorah for eight days. Other holiday traditions may include singing songs and reciting prayers, sharing special foods, and playing games like dreidel. Children often receive a gift for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah. 

“During the holiday we eat a lot of fried foods because the oil in them represents how the oil lasted in the 8 days,” stated Penelope Eckstein (12).

Las Posadas is a religious festival celebrated in Spain, Latin American countries, Mexico, and within Hispanic communities throughout the US. The nine day celebration which begins December 14th, may include reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s journey, caroling with luminarias, live nativities, parties with traditional foods like tamales, and the smashing of star shaped pinatas. San Juan Capistrano has many festive Las Posadas events you may want to check out. 

Christmas is observed on December 25th and for Christians celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is also recognized secularly as a time for family, friends, gift giving, and traditions. Many decorate Christmas trees, hang stockings, deck their homes with lights and festive decor, and host or attend parties. Holiday cards may be exchanged as well as baked goods. Santa Claus, which evolved from Saint Nicholas, is known as the merry gift giver to children. During the holiday season, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day, people may give to charities, attend special church services, and spend extra time with loved ones. It’s a time of joy, hope, goodwill, and wishes for peace.

“I really enjoy the weather during this time. It creates a cozy atmosphere and the lights and decorations enhance it further,” said Nathan Whitaker (12).

In 1966, Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Karenga to celebrate African traditions and values. This holiday is recognized from December 26-January 1. During Kwaanza, people light a candle on a kinara to honor the principles of unity, self determination, working together, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Other symbols of the holiday are a bowl of fruit, a unity cup, and ears of corn. Gatherings may include live music, feasts with traditional foods, and the exchanging of gifts.

People all over the world observe Lunar New Year; a fifteen day celebration which originated in China. Holiday festivities take place around the globe, including the United States. San Francisco hosts the largest lunar new year parade outside of Asia. Many honor this special time by cleaning their homes and getting ready for the new year. Parades with lion and dragon dances are common, as well as fireworks and family parties which may include the tradition of giving red envelopes filled with money to the children. 

“I love receiving the red envelopes, eating moon cake with my family and dressing up in our traditional attire,” Alana Cosens (12).

Learning about some of the holidays celebrated throughout the world, made me realize just how much we have in common and how similar they all are. Each and every holiday includes spending time with friends and family, sharing food, music, light, gifts, and benevolence. As we head into the holidays let’s remember there is more that binds us together than divides us.