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The Winter Holidays... What Are You Celebrating? |
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| The fourth week of December is a busy one… usually Chanukah begins during this month, Christmas is celebrated on the 25th and Kwanza, the newest winter holiday, starts on the 26th. While Christmas and Chanukah (which means dedication) celebrate faith and religious tradition, Kwanza (Swahili for first fruits) is a link to the past for African Americans and a way to honour their ancestral connection to Africa. |
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Although each festivity is different in origin, all share more in common than you would imagine.
No matter which holiday your family celebrates, rest assured there will be:
1. Lights. Whether a menorah which is lit for the duration of the holiday commemorating the miracle of a bit of oil lasting eight days or the black, red and green candles of Kwanza representing the principles of unity, self determination, and responsibility and faith, or the fabulous indoor and outdoor light displays and Christmas trees, hope is illuminated.
2. A strengthening of bonds. Whether creating a beautiful home environment to spend time with family and friends or coming together for a spiritual reunion...family bonds are strengthened.
3. Time taken off from school and work enables us to enjoy the holiday spirit.
4. Traditional foods… whether prepared with corn (Kwanza) or potatoes (Chanukah) or old family Christmas cookie recipes; guaranteed there’ll be too much of it!
5. Prayers and awareness of less fortunate: All three holidays reaffirm our hope for a peaceful future and recognizes the plight of those in need. |
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