When we think of winter, we eagerly await the break we get from school and the names of different holidays come into mind. The first that many will think of is probably Christmas, with it’s twinkling lights and presents resting under the tree. However, there are a lot of other holidays that take place during the winter, and each holiday is celebrated in it’s own unique way with  different individual beliefs.

One of the most common holidays is Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve, many people go to church to worship. Santa Claus is a well known, old man dressed in a red and white suit. He stands for Father of Christmas, in the legendary historical, folkloric origins. It is said that he brings gifts for the good children on December 24th, Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas day, so the kids wake up to the joy of opening presents.

Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, is a holiday celebrated by the Jewish. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev, which is in late November and December. Hanukkah’s major symbol is the Hanukkah menorah, or hanukkiah, which stands for miracle of the soil.

Kwanzaa is a holiday honored throughout the African community. It brings a cultural message and lets one celebrate their African heritage. It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st every year. During the celebrations, a straw hat rests on a table covered by African fabric. Beside it sits seven candles, each with a different meaning. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are known as the Nguzo Saba. They are umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).

Another holiday is Ramadan, a month Muslims eagerly wait for. It is a special month symbolizing mercy in the Islamic lunar calendar. The people who celebrate Ramadan refine and purify their soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be stopped from gossiping, the eyes must be kept from looking at the dark side, ears restrain from listening to unpleasant things, and feet controlled from going to sinful places.

Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, are few of the many holidays during the winter. Each are expressed and celebrated with a variety of different cultures. A diverse selection of customs take place during these holidays. Whether you’re celebrating Ramadan or Kwanzaa, winter holidays are sure to be memorable.