T i s t h e S e a s o n

1. TistheSeason Katherine Delesalle Hamilton College Clinton, NY

2. Yule • A winter festival that celebrates the winter solstice (December 21st) • Initially celebrated by the historical Germanic people as a pagan religious festival • Began the tradition of burning a Yule log in the hearth during the holiday season • People would go Wassailing • Walk from house to house singing songs, similar to the Christmas caroling performed today Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule

3. Hanukkah • Also known as the Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday • Commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. • Observed by lighting the candles of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah • One additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah

4. Christmas • Observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity • Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, and a special meal • People often display various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. • Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

5. Kwanzaa • A week long celebration held in the United States honoring universal African-American heritage and culture • Observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. • It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles, and culminates in a feast and gift giving. • It was created by MaulanaKarengaand was first celebrated in 1966–1967. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

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