Winter Holidays
San Diego Center for Children’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA) Committee has been working to compile a list of official holidays. These holidays will be officially recognized by the Center to create a more inclusive environment for its staff and clientele. Let’s learn more about some of the holidays this December!
Christmas
Christmas takes place on December 25th every year and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas was originally a Christian holiday but is not celebrated widely across the United States.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an 8-day Jewish celebration that often includes getting together with family and friends, eating traditional food, lighting the menorah, playing games, and exchanging gifts. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greeks and the miracle of the oil in the temple. It also commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This year Hanukkah will take place starting at sunset on Thursday, December 7 and ending at nightfall on Friday, December 15.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa takes place from December 26 – January 1. On the sixth day, people get together for Karamu or a communal feast. Kwanzaa is observed by African Americans and parts of the African diaspora. It celebrates African American cultural heritage and traditional values. The holiday was started by Maulana Karenga, an American activist and author, who wanted to commemorate African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.
New Years
New Years marks the beginning of the new calendar year and time when the calendar’s year count increases by an increment of one. Although most people celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31st and New Year’s Day on January 1st, New Years is celebrated at different times of the year all around the world. For example, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) took place this past October and Diwali (Hindu lunar celebration) happened just a few weeks ago. Lunar New Year is even coming up on January 29, 2025!