Merry Quanz-mas-ukkah…Combining Several Celebrations This HolidayCall it being culturally aware; call it being politically correct. Whatever way you call it, the children of today are learning about celebrations and religious practices and beliefs from many different cultures and faiths. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Quanza or any other practice, children in schools and other areas are being well educated about acceptance, awareness and traditions that often times can be interesting and fun to experiment with and learn about! Christmas is celebrated on December the 25th. This day is to signify the birth of Christ the Messiah. It is also a time when families and friends gather together around this festive holiday to visit, partake in delicious meals and exchange gifts. Glowing holiday lights and Christmas ornaments hand made by children bedeck a fresh smelling Christmas tree which is the center of any Christmas celebration. Let us not forget, too, about the jolly old man with a long white beard in a big red suit who dashes around the world in a sleigh pulled by eight flying reindeer delivering toys to good girls and boys. Christmas just would not be complete with dear old St. Nicholas. Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday celebrated in the beginning to mid-December. Families gather together to light the menorah and sing songs of peace and hope for the world. Delicious kosher food is served like beef brisket, potato latkas and delicious homemade jelly filled doughnuts. Special small gifts are given during the eight days of Hanukkah with the biggest gift given on the last day of the holiday. Games of spin the Dreidel and songs of Hanukkah fill the home with a peaceful and inspirational feeling. Quanza is the newest winter holiday and is a seven day celebration starting on December 26th and ending on January 1st. Quanza is Swahili for first fruits of the harvest, and it is originated from ancient African harvest celebrations. During the Quanza celebration season, seven candles are lit, each candle signifying honor to the seven principles of unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Quanza is celebrated through feasting, music and stories. Like Hanukkah, gifts are given during the seven days of Quanza; however, if you wish to save all of your gifts to the recipient for the last day of Quanza, that symbolizes and affirmation of self worth. Though the traditions and beliefs of Christmas, Hanukkah, Quanza or any ethnically different holiday are different, the core values of family, faith and togetherness is something that binds all three of them together.
|