Religious Celebrations that Take Place During Winter
- Both Hanukkah and Christmas are winter holidays that are celebrated in the same month — December. While Hanukkah begins on a different date each year because the Jewish calendar is a lunar one, it usually takes place in December. Christmas takes place December 25 every year.
- Epiphany/Three Kings Day comes at the end of the 12 days of Christmas. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw baby Jesus and brought him gifts.
- The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21. People all over the world celebrate it by lighting bonfires and candles to coax back the sun.
- Nicholas Day, celebrates St. Nicholas of Myra, the man whose life inspired the tradition of Santa Claus and Father Christmas. During December he gave all of his to the needy and had compassion for children and those in need.
- Kwanzaa is a spiritual holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Millions of African Americans dress in special clothes, decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables, and light a candleholder called a kinara.
- On New Year’s Eve, Americans host parties and attend concerts, fireworks displays and other special gatherings. Festivities differ from place to place, with regional variations on well-known customs.
Similarities Between Most Religious Celebrations That Take Place During Winter
- Light is a common feature in these holidays since they are celebrated till the nights; hence lighting is used to coax back the sun.
- Most of these festivals highlight the importance of spending time together as a family. This is so since most of the people will prefer to travel and be with their families during these seasons.
- Exchanging gifts is a core part of these religious celebrations. They are known as times when people are charitable and reach out to those in need.
- All the festivals are seen as “an opportunity to indulge in festive food.” Since people can not come together and fail to eat together.