“This is the season when people of all faiths and cultures are pushing back against the planetary darkness. We string bulbs, ignite bonfires, and light candles. And we sing.” ~ Anita Diamant

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.” — Maya Angelou

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

Traditionally, the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays have ushered in the season of light. Christmas comes with lights strung on trees, homes, department stores and the like, and Hanukkah is called the Festival of Lights. Christians have used lights to demonstrate that the Christ Child’s birth (circa 4 B.C.) was a light to banish the darkness and Jews celebrate the 164 BCE victory over their oppressors, the rededication of their temple and the light from the miraculous burning of candles for eight days and nights without oil. And while Christmas and Hanukkah are based in religious beliefs, many formerly religious and non-religious people celebrate the cultural and historical aspects of these holidays, and many observe both holidays.

There are, of course, differing beliefs as to whether families that have members who were raised in different religions — especially if one or more members still observe — should mix traditions and celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah. Some say no and some say yes, so that can be a sticky issue to sort out. In many secular households, though, the cultural aspects of both holidays are commemorated with Christmas trees and cookies together with a hanukkiah (nine-branched menorah) and latkes. In our family, to this day we celebrate the cultural parts of both holidays. My husband and I were raised in Jewish and Christian households, respectively, and we started mixing holidays when we met and continued with our daughter to expose her to both traditions. And that takes us back to this season of light and why it’s so important.

During this season, there are other holidays that celebrate with light, as well as celebrate light itself: Winter Solstice and Kwanzaa.

Winter Solstice — also known as the Northern Winter Solstice and Yuletide — is an ancient Norse custom that predates both Christmas and Hanukkah and celebrates the return of light. The burning of the Yule Log marks the shortest day of the year and expresses joy that the sun will be bringing back light to the northern part of the world, making the days longer and the nights shorter. This year the Northern Winter Solstice will occur on December 21. In some ways, Yuletide and Christmas overlap in their customs.

Kwanzaa is a relatively new (1966) and secular holiday that celebrates African-American and Pan-African “history, values, family, community and culture.”  Kwanzaa will be celebrated from December 26 – January 1. Light plays a role in celebrating Kwanzaa by lighting the Kinara to signify “Lifting Up the Light That Lasts.”

Spread The Light

As we continue to go through one of the darkest times in the history of our nation and the world, let us all do our parts to spread the light and break through the darkness across state lines, national borders, cultural differences and religious beliefs.

We all need to live together peacefully, empathetically, ethically and honorably in order for all to flourish. So, as we busy ourselves this season with our various celebrations and observances, let’s cherish our right to do so however we wish, and respect the rights of others to do as they wish, which in some cases means not to observe any formal celebrations. And let us enlighten ourselves by learning from one another.

My wish is that the season’s light will increasingly burn brightly for us all, now and into the New Year.

Until next time,

Jeanne  

Previous Holiday Posts:

December Holidays – 2012

The Holiday Office Party – 2012

Home For The Holidays – 2012

Holiday Gift Giving – 2012

Deck The Halls Without The Folly – 2013

Yes, Virginia, There Is A Black Friday – 2014

Holiday Etiquette Reminders – 2014

Hanukkah Etiquette – 2014

Kwanzaa Etiquette – 2014

Holiday Season – 2015 – Inclusion – 2015

Holiday Season 2015 – “Politically Correct” = Decency and Respect – 2015

Holiday Season 2015 – Silent Night, Festival Of Light – 2015

Christmas Movies To Watch And Celebrate – 2016

How The Grinch Can Steal Christmas Creep – 2016

Holiday Diversity – 2019

We Need A Little Christmas…. – 2020

Holidays At Home – and Online – 2020

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – With Some Caveats – 2021

I’m Dreaming Of A Kind Christmas – 2022