The winter season means many things to different people, but one thing that everyone shares is the joy and happiness it brings. Spending time with family and celebrating unique traditions holds lots of meaning to many families and cultures, and it brings people together as a community. There are countless winter holidays celebrated by many different cultures and religions, but Christmas is the most celebrated and known in the world, with over two billion people participating in it in their own way every year. The festivities can include exchanging gifts, decorating trees, and singing carols. The holidays are about much more than just tangible celebrations and gifts. Willow Glen junior Oscar Likiliki says the holidays are special because “I get to share my love and appreciation for those I care for and love”. While Christmas is the most widely recognized winter holiday in the world, there are countless other traditions treasured by other cultures. Two other important holidays are Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African American history and culture, and is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. On each night of Kwanzaa, communities and families gather to light a kinara and focus on a principle of Nguzo Saba, the seven core principles of Kwanzaa. Hanukkah is a Jewish festival, which takes place between late November and Early December. The exact dates change every year, but this year it was from December 7th to December 15th. Over 2 billion people worldwide come together to celebrate Christmas, but it’s important to acknowledge and appreciate everyone’s uniquely impressive traditions.
