Some love the hustle and bustle and all things shiny associated with the wintertime Holidays. For some, it’s a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the messiah, the holy one whose very existence signifies hope and joy. For others, Hanukkah tells a story of a desperate battle fought and won by the Maccabees over the Greek army in 164 BC. The symbolic lighting of the menorah signifies the miracle the Maccabees received when, having only enough lamp oil for one more night, it stays lit for eight nights, marking the end of the battle and allowing the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Still others observe Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African and African American culture, history, and values created by Maulana Ron Karenga, an African-American professor of Africana studies at California State University, in 1966. Kwanzaa recognizes the African-American community’s contributions to society and resilience in the face of oppression during those turbulent times.
This holiday reminds people of their value in society and celebrates their unique culture within the framework of our American culture. No matter the inspiration, winter doldrums are lifted by the buoyant chaos of the various celebrations.
This is the time of year to appreciate what we have, surrounded by family and friends or even strangers. It is especially important to watch out for each other. Though most of us see this as an exciting time of renewal, some feel overwhelmed by the giddy chaos. They may seek solace within themselves, searching for order and meaning or perhaps, having almost given up on hope, they are just trying to survive. It is up to each of us to look out for each other.
My family celebrates Christmas. Within my immediate family (husband and son) we have a few traditions nurtured through the years. When our son was a small child, we always flew to see either my husband’s family in Nebraska or mine in Pennsylvania.
The only tradition observed absolutely through the years and places we lived or visited was to open one gift on Christmas Eve. It was always fun to see which package our son picked out to open before Christmas. Christmas morning is always chaos incarnate as we scramble to hand out gifts or open our own. In years past, we would roll up the paper into balls for the dogs to tear up. Tika, our current dog isn’t as impressed by the paper ball, but gets into the spirit by shaking whatever new toy Santa brought her. Last year our son gave her a long legged donkey which she immediately removed an ear. Tika goes through several toys a year; however, Donkey is still her favorite. He has no legs, ears, tail or, well head, but she shakes that toy for all she’s worth every day!
Now that our son is older and living away from home, he still comes by Christmas Eve and stays overnight for that Christmas morning tradition together.
Later in the day, we have our big meal, always ham, candied yams, a special corn casserole my husband grew up with, green beans and a pineapple bread pudding dish my niece introduced us to some years back. Sometimes a couple we’ve become great friends with will join us, bringing wonderful dishes of their own to the table. Our food is a mix of cultures while the gifting is uniquely ours.
The love we share and joyful time spent together is universal throughout the world and across cultures. Whether you’re celebrating a religious or cultural holiday this month, embrace the chaos along with the peace, love and joy of the season.
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