Christmas isn’t the only holiday celebrated in December. Families across the globe honor traditions such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Bodhi Day. Each has a history and meaning. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is celebrated with menorah lights, games, and special foods. Kwanza honors African heritage with seven days of rituals, family gatherings, and cultural reflections.
Every family has its own way of celebrating the season. Whether or not they celebrate Christmas, people around the world recognize December 25 in some way. For some, it’s a deeply religious holiday honoring the birth of Jesus, celebrated by church services, family gatherings, and nativity scenes. For others, Christmas is a celebration of togetherness and giving, often centered around gifts, festive meals, and lights. And for some, it’s just another day on the calendar.
Junior Lindsay Garcia, who celebrates Christmas, says, “These traditions impact my family in such a positive way because it’s not just about the gifts we may receive, but the memories that come with this holiday.”
Most families around the world spend time with their families during the frigid cozy month of December. To many families, it is more than just the gifts we may receive, but more importantly, spending time with family and friends. Taking a break from stress and worry of having to get things done, and taking a step back to reflect on memories and traditions.
“A lot of my family lives far away, Christmas is a time to reconnect and celebrate with the people you don’t see very often,” says senior Ava Jaquez-Munroe.
Despite their differences, these celebrations share something in common: they are opportunities for families to connect, reflect, and pass down old or new traditions. Whether or not families choose to celebrate in the month of December, says alot about their beliefs, backgrounds, and values of family.
“What I enjoy most about these traditions is the time that I spend with my extended family, because we don’t see them very often.” says senior Jacqueline Maurice.
In the end, the way people choose to celebrate or not, reflects the values, beliefs, cultures and traditions that shape families. December offers a season of light and warmth, not just from festive candles and twinkling lights but from the connections built across generations. Whether it’s Christmas dinner, lighting a menorah, or sitting around a table, the month of December is a time to create memories with true meaning.
