The year draws to a close with the celebrations and holidays at the end of December and ushers in the new year. As we celebrate the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hannukah, we observe several commonalities, including faith, culture, family gatherings, and food sharing.
Before the birth of Jesus Christ, the winter solstice was a period of celebration for many people in Europe. The duration where winter ended and the longer days began. It was also when cattle were slaughtered, and fermented drink was ready for consumption, making the winter solstice a time for feasting. To Indigenous peoples worldwide, the winter solstice has been observed for millennia and is a time to celebrate the natural world and the interconnectedness of all things. It is a time of self-care and care for loved ones and family. Many indigenous people continue to mark the solstice with storytelling and ceremony.
Christmas was not a Christian holiday in the early years of Christianity. It was not until the fourth century that Pope Julius I chose December 25 as a church holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Because it occurred around the same time as the winter solstice, the celebrations continued in much the same way with food and drink. This also became the time of year when the wealthy could 'repay their real or imagined "debt"’ to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens. Outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681, Christmas was not celebrated by all in early America. Eventually, Christmas was declared a federal holiday in America on June 26, 1870.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an American scholar and activist. Originating from a Swahili phrase meaning 'First Fruits,' Kwanzaa is often celebrated with music, friends and family, and traditional foods. Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days. Each day is defined as unity, self-determination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa's celebration of family and community is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment and responsibility to each other. Seven fundamental principles: unity, self-determination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Kwanzaa's celebration of family and community is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment and responsibility to each other.
Hanukkah or Chanukah began at nightfall on December 18, 2022, and ends at nightfall on December 26, 2022. Hanukkah is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem through the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by lighting candles on each day of the festival. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the Maccabees' victory over the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) regime of Antiochus IV. It also celebrates a miracle during this time, where just a day's oil supply allowed the menorah (Hanukkiah or Hanukkah Menorah) in the rededicated Temple in Jerusalem to remain lit for eight days.
It is clear that however one chooses to celebrate or believe, working together as a community to support and build each other up has long been the foundation of many observances. Celebrating and honoring our world and the abundance available to sustain all living creatures is a powerful concept that allows us to continue building and strengthening our communities and give thanks for our blessings.
Take Action:
- Winter Solstice 2022: When is it, and What is it?
- Acknowledging the Winter Solstice is a Decolonial Act for Indigenous People
- How to Celebrate Kwanzaa in the (Messy) Year of 2022
- Learn more about Hanukkah's customs and rituals
- Eventbrite: Kwanzaa Online Family Festival 2022
- 2022 Menorah Lighting in Downtown Greeley
- Attach the Winter Celebration design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
