Christmas
This commemoration of the Nativity is a special time for over 2 billion people around the world. While gift-giving may be the most popular Christmas custom, many celebrate with sending cards, decorating trees, caroling, baking, attending church, attending parades and feasts, hanging lights and ornaments, and opening Advent calendars. Merry Christmas to you!

Chanukah
Known as Hanukkah, this Festival of Lights is an 8-day Jewish holiday commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. In addition to lighting one candle on a menorah each day, rituals include singing hymns, playing the dreidel game and giving chocolate coins. Chag sameach

Pancha Ganapati
5 days of gifts, songs, and treats that celebrate new beginnings in the Hindu culture. Families will decorate shrines in a different daily color, representing 5 rays of energy, to bring harmony into 5 realms of their lives: family, friends, associates, culture and religion. Namaste

KwanzaaHonoring African heritage in African-American culture, Kwanzaa brings peoples together for feasts, gift-giving, and the celebration of family, community and culture. The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. On each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, families light one of the seven candles on the Kinara (candle holder). Then one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba (values of African culture) are discussed. Habari gani

Orthodox Christmas
Celebrated according to the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christmas falls on or near January 7th of each year. Many will celebrate Christian biblical tradition by attending church and enjoying feasts with family. Some will fast in preparation for this special day. This day is a time of reflection, inner thoughts and healing in many countries. Kala Hristouyienna

Lunar New year
Also known as the Spring Festival, this traditional Chinese celebration can include lighting firecrackers to scare off bad luck in the new year. It is also a ceremonial day to pray for a good harvest season. Lantern festivals, colorful decorations, dragon dances, and large dinners with dumplings and desserts are part of the celebration. 2023 – the year of the Rabbit! Gong hei fat choy

Bodhi
The word “bodhi” means “awakening”. Buddhists celebrate the day that Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment through meditation, experiencing Nirvana and becoming known as the “Awakened One”. Budu Saranai

Las Posadas
Meaning “The Inns”, this Mexican festival commemorates biblical tradition each December complete with dramatizations of historical events. Over 9 days, communities come together to decorate homes and enjoy home-cooked traditional food, processions of silver and gold robes, candles, scripture reading and music. Feliz Navidad

Diwali
The 5-day Indian Festival of Lights is an ancient holiday that celebrates goodness and prosperity. Many celebrate by lighting clay lamps outside their homes, representing the inner light the protects the home from spiritual darkness. This season, enjoy all the gift-giving, endless feasts, fireworks, colorful patterns and light that Diwali offers. Shubh deepavali