In recent years, some have put forth the idea that there is a “war on Christmas.” Greeting others with “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” in December is viewed by some to be a politically correct alternative to “Merry Christmas.” While Christmas may dominate the public consciousness in December in many Western countries, there are other religious and cultural observances that take place near the end of the year. Some you may have heard of, and others may be new to you.
The Festival of Lights
In late November or December, Jews celebrate Hanukkah or Chanukah for eight days. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” this holiday commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and rededication of the Second Temple at the start of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century B.C. Many Jews celebrate by lighting a nine-branched candelabra known as a menorah. Rituals include singing songs and eating special foods. Hanukkah has achieved major cultural significance in Western society, and many non-practitioners observe it to some extent. These days, it’s not uncommon to go to a department store in November and December and see Hanukkah décor selling alongside items for Christmas.
The Blazing Yule
Popular Christmas carol “Deck the Halls” references Yuletide and “the blazing Yule” in its lyrics. While many associate Yule with Christmas, it’s actually a Pagan winter festival observed from late December into early January. It is traditionally associated with the winter solstice, which takes place around December 21. Many modern-day Christmas traditions originated as part of Pagan Yule traditions, most notably the Christmas tree, gift-giving and singing carols. Several of these were adopted and reformed under Christianity, but today, Wiccans, Neopagan sects and even LaVeyan Satanists acknowledge Yule.
Joyous Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa was conceived in 1966 by professor and activist Maulana Karenga as an African American and Pan African holiday and as an alternative to dominant cultural traditions. The name comes from a Swahili phrase that translates to “first fruits.” From December 26 to January 1, observers celebrate seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).
Bodhi Day
On December 8, Buddhists around the world commemorate the day that Buddha achieved enlightenment. According to tradition, the historical Buddha sat under a Bodhi tree and meditated until discovering the root of suffering and liberation from it. Traditions vary between sects, but many adherents observe Bodhi Day through meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting of Buddhist texts and acts of kindness to others.
Other Christian Observances
Besides December 25 as the observance of the birth of Jesus Christ, there are other Christian holidays that occur in December:
- Advent: This observance is associated with preparation for the birth of the savior and in Western society is noted as the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.
- Saint Nicholas Day: On December 6, many European countries acknowledge the life of St. Nicholas of Myra, an early church bishop who was the inspiration for Santa Claus. Known for his compassion and charity to children, he is honored on the day of his death with feasts, parades, festivals and the exchange of presents.
- Las Posadas: Between December 16 and 24, people from Mexico and other parts of Latin America celebrate the Nativity with reenactments and festivals that include feasts, the breaking of piñatas and singing songs. Many Hispanic people living in the US also observe this holiday.
These are just a sample of the many holidays that are celebrated in the later part of the year. Saying “Happy Holidays” is not a politically correct alternative to “Merry Christmas.” It’s a way to acknowledge the various traditions, religious and irreligious, that take place during this time. When you throw Thanksgiving, Halloween and New Year’s Day into the mix, there’s a lot going on, and it’s okay to be inclusive in your greetings to others.