By: Janelle Pantilon, Features Editor

While Christmas is notorious for illuminating  the winter season, there are countless other holidays that are just as special to various cultures and communities. It’s their way of spreading joy, traditions, and unity to finish off their year. Let’s look at a few other winter holidays that deserve much love and recognition as a celebration aside from Christmas.

First up, we have Hanukkah. It’s a Jewish holiday that originated during the second century B.C. The holiday is to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem from previous oppressors. It’s celebrated through a span of eight days during late November to early December, although it changes year to year as it falls on the 25th day of Kislev in accordance to the Hebrew calendar. Each night, families come together to light a candle on the menorah (a special candle holder) that symbolizes branches of Judaism and knowledge. Throughout the evening, they sing and prepare food. Children are sometimes given gifts or money as well.

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday that began in 1966. Kwanzaa stems from no specific religion as the purpose of establishing it was to reaffirm African culture among communities. It’s a time for families and friends to gather while immersing themselves in African customs, honoring ancestors, and remembering social principles. It begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. During those seven days, people light a candle each night to represent seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. They recite songs, poems, and speeches of great African-American thinkers while exchanging presents or playing traditional drums. Later, everyone shares a meal with traditional African dishes.

Bodhi Day is a Buddist holiday that celebrates the enlightenment of the historical Buddha. It began about 2,600 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama meditated under a Peepal tree (a type of fig tree) for 49 continuous days until receiving enlightenment. Annually on December 8th, people take time to reflect upon their lives. They do that through meditation, chants, prayer, and teaching. Buddhists decorate their homes with colorful beads around their homes to symbolize their own paths to enlightenment. Commonly, children decorate small fig trees with beads and lights while being told past tales of Buddha. People enjoy a simple meal of milk and rice as it’s believed that was Buddha’s first meal to regain strength following his period of fasting and meditation.

Last but certainly not least, the Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe is another festival honored during December by Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Based on tales, the day was prompted after a Christian converter, Juan Diego, witnessed the Virgin Mary in Mexico City in 1531. The day is meant to honor this patron saint as she symbolizes patriotism and devotion. On December 12, millions of people go to the Basilica of Lady Guadalupe and pay respects to her altar with offerings such as flowers and rosaries. Indigenous songs and dances are performed to pay tribute to her. After the church ceremony, many go home and share traditional meals with their families while their homes are decked out in flowers, crosses, candles, and other symbols of the Virgin Mary to honor her spirit.

In all, December is a special month for many cultures. It’s a time of gathering and spreading good energy. Regardless of the holiday, have a great time celebrating and a fantastic rest of the year.