With winter break just around the corner, holiday preparations are already well underway. Christmas is the most common and most widely celebrated of these holidays, so it is the most well known globally. What started off as a Christian celebration has now grown to be a global event. Only 14 Countries to not observe Christmas. And as Christmas trees are going up and lights are streaming above garage doors; the festivities of Christmas are hard to miss. But the holidays are not just about Christmas, there are many more cultural holidays during the holidays.

The Menorah, which celebrates the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah has already run its course, burning bright. Hanukkah, without the bright lights and decorated trees, can be easily missed. Hanukkah was started in second century B.C after the re-dedication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. Lasting eight days from November 28th to December 6th, each night a candle is lit, a blessing is said, and gifts are given.

The holidays also mark Kwanzaa: a week long celebration of community and culture. Kwanzaa is centered around 7 principals of the African American community.                                             They are:

• Unity
• Self-Determination
• Collective Work and Responsibility
• Cooperative Economics
• Purpose
• Creativity
• Faith

Kwanzaa is different from other holidays in that it is purely focused on culture, rather than religion. Kwanzaa start off as an isolated celebration, but today it is also frequently mixed with other holidays; many families celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas, as well as New Years.

Around this time of year, it is important to remember the feeling of the holidays is more important than the actual holidays themselves. Remembering the feeling of happiness and holiday cheer, no matter what you celebrate, is more important. A feeling of community is what binds everyone in this holiday season. Whatever holiday you celebrate, we at the Creed wish you happy holidays and a wonderful New Year!