If I say the words “Holiday Season” most people will picture a big green tree, hear Christmas carols, and smell gingerbread. There is nothing wrong with that. The holiday season is a beautiful time when people come together, give to others, and try to be better people. 

I celebrate Hanukkah during the month of December. And no it is not Christmas in blue and silver. I believe that people should be more mindful of what Christmas is. I think some people forget that it’s a religious holiday. Another misconception is that Hanukkah is Christmas for Jewish people. Hanukkah is a beautiful celebration, but it is not a high holiday in the Jewish religion. It never bothered me to color Christmas trees or watch the “Polar Express” in elementary school – although I still remember every moment a non-Jewish person wished me a happy Hanukkah or went out of their way to make me feel included. 

Feeling like your culture is recognized and respected is very important and not just for Jewish people. I want to share other beautiful holidays including Kwanzaa and the Chinese New Year so we can all be mindful of others this holiday season. 

Stephanie Furbush is a WHS student who celebrates Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday also known as the celebration of light. The holiday celebrates a miracle of oil that was supposed to burn for one night but kept burning for 8. Stephanie recalls many memories of this holiday from her childhood. “I played dreidel with my mom when I was little, it made me feel loved,” Furbush says. She explained the different foods she ate on the holiday, “We would make matzah ball soup, latkes, and chicken.” She recalls many holiday traditions like lighting the menorah and saying prayers. Furbush says her favorite memory of the holiday is, “The big present on the 8th night, it made me grateful for my family.” 

Natalie Joe is a WHS student who celebrates the Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is a 15-day festival celebrated by Chinese people. Festivals start on the new moon and end on the full moon. Natalie shares the food she ate during the holiday, “We ate long noodles, that symbolize long life, a whole chicken, dumplings, rice and a bunch of different Chinese vegetables. Also, spring rolls and fish.” Joe also shares what her traditions were on the holiday, “Around the new year we go and visit the cemetery and pay respects to relatives. We usually offer a meal at their grave so when we go back to my grandparent’s house it’s like we’re all sharing a meal. We also clean the entire house to bring in the good from the new year and get rid of any bad from the past.” Finally Joe shares a memory from the Chinese New Year that sticks with her, “Something I always remember is meeting up and gathering around the table to eat with the entire family.” 

Other holidays celebrated during the “Holiday Season” include Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and Lohri. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. The holiday includes the celebration of African culture, food, and music. Las Posadas is a Mexican holiday celebrated from December 16th to the 24th. The holiday honors the journey of Joseph and Mary and is celebrated with music, as well as children breaking open piñatas. Lohri is celebrated in Northern India on January 13th. It is celebrated with ceremonies that include dancing and building large bonfires.