Hanukkah-
Hanukkah is considered a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for 8 days and nights. It is celebrated in either November or December. This holiday celebrates rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E. Jewish families celebrate by lighting the hanukkiah, one candle per light, from left to right.
Kwanzaa-
Kwanzaa is a seven day holiday that celebrates African culture. This holiday begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. This holiday is celebrated with dancing, singing, gifts, and feasts. Families also decorate their homes with fruits, a black, red, and green flag. A Kinara is also used as a decoration (a candle holder that holds seven candles).
Winter Solstice-
Winter Solstice is on December 21st, which is the shortest day and longest night of the year. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the rebirth of the sun because days get longer. Winter Solstice symbols are fire & light, and are celebrated with long feasts.
Las Posadas-
Las Posadas is celebrated from December 16th- December 24th. Las Posadas is a hispanic holiday celebrated in the United States. Families celebrate for 9 days before christmas, and each night is celebrated with gifts, pinatas, songs, tamales, parties and prayer.
Diwali-
Diwali is a five day long Hindu holiday that celebrates life and the victory of good over evil. This holiday usually occurs during the end of November, but the date is based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Diwali is celebrated with fireworks, feasts, and family.
