“Happy Holidays” is a phrase we often hear around this time of year but what does it really mean? The truth is it means something different to everyone. To some, it may mean “Merry Christmas”, to others it may mean “Happy Hanukkah” or “Happy Kwanzaa.”
While many of us celebrate winter holidays meaningful to us, it is important to respect and acknowledge the importance of other holidays during this time, as well. All winter holidays are significant and deserve recognition.
What are the different winter holidays celebrated around the world?
Learning about the traditions of the different holidays we don’t celebrate is a great way to learn more about the diversity of our communities. In addition, it fosters an inclusive environment where individuals and groups feel represented. Here are a handful of different winter holidays and traditions celebrated around the world!
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Shortly following the Maccabean Revolt, where the Greek/Syrian army was defeated by the Jewish people they had oppressed, the temple was rededicated to God. The menorah in the temple had one day’s supply of oil and managed to burn for eight days. This was viewed as a miracle and a holiday was dedicated to the triumphant event–Hanukkah.
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that begins on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and falls anywhere from late November to December. Each night during Hanukkah, one candle on the menorah is lit by the Shamash candle—the ninth candle used to light the other candles. In addition to lighting the menorah, families eat traditional food, sing Hanukkah songs, retell the origin story and exchange gifts, just to name a few traditions.
Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration that takes place from Dec. 16 - Dec. 24. It is dedicated to Mary and Joseph’s trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem prior to the birth of Jesus. Las Posadas is primarily celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala and in some Southwestern parts of the U.S.
Each night, a small child dressed as an angel leads a procession of followers through towns and cities. The procession goes door to door asking for lodging and, true to the origin story, they are refused. While they are refused lodging, they sing Christmas carols together and read passages from the Bible. The procession usually ends each night by attending Mass and breaking a piñata.
Yule/Christmastide
Yule is one of the earliest recorded celebrations during the winter holiday seasons. Germany and Scandinavia are the birthplaces of Yule. Yule, now commonly referred to as Christmastide, is a celebration of rebirth and the longer days of sunshine ahead. It is traditionally celebrated by chopping down a tree on the winter solstice and feeding the whole log into the fire. That same log is then burned for 12 continuous days.
Yule decorations have traditionally included ivy, holly, berries and mistletoe. Yule celebrations today usually include placing a much smaller Yule log on the mantle and decorating it with berries, candles and holly and then exchanging gifts, and meditation.
Soyal
Every year, during the winter solstice, the Hopi and Zuni native tribes celebrate the new life and new beginnings that will come in the new year with a cherished ceremony known as Soyal. During the ceremony, rituals are performed to wake up the sun from its hibernation.
Soyal lasts 16 days and is filled with rituals, food, gifts and stories. Members of the Hopi and Zuni native tribes put on masks and costumes to represent the Kachina spirits. Kachina spirits are said to be the tribes’ guardian spirits. Children are usually given Kachina dolls and elders pass down stories during the celebration.
Christmas
Christmas is a winter holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec. 25. The holiday is celebrated worldwide, including countries where Christianity isn’t widely practiced. While Christmas has religious origins, it has evolved throughout time to be a commercialized holiday.
Christmas decorations include nativity scenes, Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments, jingle bells and holly. Families usually gather on Christmas Day for a festive meal and to exchange gifts with one another.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a winter holiday that is recognized in many commonwealth countries such as Australia, Britain and Canada. It is celebrated on Dec. 26 and is a day of giving back. There isn’t a clear origin story for Boxing Day, but it’s said to have started as a day off for household employees. These individuals couldn’t celebrate Christmas with their families until the following day as they had to serve their employers and families on Christmas Day. On Dec. 26 they were given boxes of leftover food and gifts to take home.
Over time, Boxing Day has evolved into a charitable holiday. Funds are collected and given to organizations in need. Like Christmas, the holiday has evolved into a commercialized one, too. Boxing Day is also a great day to go shopping and find a good deal.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a relatively new winter holiday. In 1966, Kwanzaa was created by California State University Professor and Chairman of Africana Studies Dr. Maulana Karenga. He created Kwanzaa to unify African Americans by honoring African heritage. Dr. Karenga did extensive research on African celebrations to establish Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. There are seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. In addition, Kwanzaa has seven core symbols: crops, placemats, ears of corn, the seven candles, the candleholder, the unity cup and gifts. The seven core symbols are honored by being arranged into a festive display. Families gather during Kwanzaa to reflect on the seven core principles, honor their ancestors and heritage and feast on traditional cuisine.
