Happy Holidays!
As the weather changes and holiday festivities are starting, the holiday season is finally among us. While adults are buying turkeys, children are making gingerbread houses, and people are coming together to spread the joys of the holidays, we must not forget about the holidays that aren’t as widespread as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays are all about helping and welcoming others and making sure no one feels left out during this season. A lot of holidays aren’t as cherished by society since they’re not as prevalent as the bigger ones we celebrate, so it’s important to recognize and be aware of other holidays that are being celebrated this time of year. I mean, the more the merrier right? Here are a few holidays coming up that you can learn more about and understand to ensure that you’re respecting other people’s cultures and beliefs:
1. November 26th: Native American Heritage Day
Believe it or not, the day after Thanksgiving isn’t just about staying up all night to get the best shopping deals! Native American Heritage Day is a day meant to honor and celebrate Native American cultures, traditions, and histories, and act as a reminder for the suffering that Native Americans have faced throughout history.
2. November 28th: Hanukkah
The eight days of Hanukkah start on November 28th, and this celebration is about so much more than receiving gifts every day like it’s made out to be. Hanukkah is meant to commemorate the rededication of the second temple of Jerusalem, which is why menorahs are lit every day of the celebration.
3. December 8th: Bodhi Day
Bodhi day is a Buddhist holiday in honor of the day that Buddha reached enlightenment through meditation. Bodhi day is not celebrated in a grand way, but Buddhists spend the day meditating, praying, and connecting to their principles instead.
4. December 21st: Yule Winter Solstice
This Pagan celebration is one of the oldest winter traditions in the world, and honors the shortest day of the year. The Yule Winter Solstice includes a festival of rebirth that celebrates new beginnings, renewal, and the return of the sun.
5. December 26th: Kwanzaa
Through December 26th to January 1st, Kwanzaa is a celebration centered around celebrating African American traditions and cultural values. On the sixth day, a feast known as Karamu is typically held in order to proudly bring people together and connect them with one another.