Tis the season

As the end of the year approaches so does the holiday season.

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the holiday season. It is a time of celebration and a time for family. There are those who do not have family but choose to serve and give to others in their community. The holiday season can have a different meaning for different people as well as how they celebrate.

For some people it can have a religious meaning the birth of the savior. Those in the African descent represent the holiday of Kwanzaa, who celebrate their heritage. Others of the Jewish faith represent Hanukkah, referred to as the “Festival of the Lights.”

Christmas celebrates the nativity of Christ every year on December 25th. As it is celebrated in United States other countries who have Orthodox churches such as Russia, Serbia, Jerusalem, and Ethiopia celebrate the holiday as well. The holiday dates back to 336, but was not declared to be the birth of Jesus until a few years later by Pope Julius I. Christmas is celebrated similarly throughout the world with a combination traditions including decorating homes, Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and being with friends and family.

“Traditionally, my parents hang a pickle our tree and the first child to find it gets a reward and good luck for the year to come”. Said class president, Ciara Myhre “I serve the community by helping out toy drives for the underprivileged and food shelters.” Said senior Sharena Dixon

While Christmas is a major holiday, Kwanzaa is also a holiday that enhances the holiday season.

Kwanzaa was put into place to reflect the qualities of the “first harvest”. It is observed from December 26th till January 1st, where a candle is lit each day to represent one of the principles. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, referred to as Nguzo Saba, are unity, self- determination, collective work and responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The candles are placed on a special candleholder, Kinara. There a three red candles, three green candles, and a black candle, which are the colors of the African flag.

Along with the seven principles, there are seven symbols used to celebrate the holidays. The mat, a unity cup, crops, a candleholder, corn, the seven candles, and gifts.

“Though many people don’t celebrate Kwanzaa, I believe the meaning is black awareness and how African-Americans eloped.” Said sophomore Bobby Winton Kwanzaa is a series of unique and cultural dedication.

Hanukkah, The Festival of Lights, is a eight day celebration that upholds the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. During Hanukkah, a candle is light every night, like Kwanzaa. It is a time for giving and receiving presents and gifts are exchanged each night, as

well as fried food being eaten.

Though there are different holidays and ways to celebrate it, the holiday season brings joy and cheer to a lot of people.