What are other holidays celebrated around Christmas?

Christmas, a time of joy and celebration, is not only a holiday in itself but also a season that brings along several other festive occasions. While Christmas is widely recognized and celebrated globally, there are several other holidays and festivals that share this time of year, each with its unique traditions and significance. Let’s explore some of these holidays celebrated around Christmas.

1. Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that often coincides with Christmas. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. During Hanukkah, families gather to light the menorah, a candelabra with nine branches, each night. Children receive gifts, and traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are enjoyed.

2. Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long African-American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to honor African heritage and promote unity and self-improvement. The holiday focuses on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa is celebrated with a special table setting, a kinara (candleholder), and the exchange of gifts and feasting.

3. St. Stephen’s Day

St. Stephen’s Day, also known as Boxing Day, is celebrated on December 26 in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. It is a day to honor St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. While it is less well-known in some parts of the world, it is still a day of celebration and gift-giving. In some countries, it is a public holiday, and people engage in various activities, such as attending church services, visiting family, and enjoying festive meals.

4. New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is celebrated worldwide as the last day of the year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time for parties, fireworks, and countdowns to the new year. People often make resolutions, reflect on the past year, and look forward to what the new year will bring. In some cultures, New Year’s Eve is a time for family gatherings and special meals, while in others, it is a time for celebrating with friends and going out.

5. St. Lucia’s Day

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13 in many Scandinavian countries, as well as in Italy and Spain. It commemorates the feast day of Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr. On this day, children dress up as “Lussi girls” and boys, wearing a crown of candles on their heads, and carry torches to symbolize light during the dark winter months. St. Lucia’s Day is also a time for feasting on traditional foods like Lucia buns and gingerbread.

In conclusion, the holiday season around Christmas is filled with a variety of celebrations, each with its unique customs and traditions. From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to St. Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and St. Lucia’s Day, these holidays contribute to the rich tapestry of festive occasions that make this time of year truly magical.