December is upon us already, and there will be no shortage of reasons to celebrate. At the end of the month, three holidays align this year: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. We all have our reasons for celebrating. The three holidays acknowledge different points in history that represent hope and the idea of overcoming the impossible. Religious beliefs are behind some of the practices. Acknowledging historical events affecting family and culture is another reason to observe these special occasions. Whether your beliefs are rooted in the Bible’s scriptures, the Torah’s teachings, the honor of your ancestors, or even a fat man in a red suit, honoring these holidays is important.
Depending on your beliefs, the miracle of The Virgin Mary giving birth to a king in an animal stable is no more or less a miracle than enough oil for a day miraculously lasting eight nights. The Pan African holiday of Kwanza is not a religious practice but is significant for its acknowledgment of “unity.” Take Santa Claus out of the equation on December 25th, and half the world will likely have nothing to believe in or reason to celebrate.
No matter your “why” for doing so, holidays deserve to be celebrated. When celebrations of different origins fall as close together as they do this year, one is not more important than another to the people who observe the occasion. We all have reasons to celebrate. There’s no such thing as too much joy, so make room for and give respect to the extra amount of jubilation this season.
May your festivities be blessed and your holidays happy, whatever your practices. Happy Holidays!
