Celebrating Holidays in December

Each year during December, Christians around the world reflect on the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ, during the celebration of Christmas. Christmas and Easter are the two foundational holidays where Christians celebrate the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus for our Salvation. But as an organization, Catholic Charities also recognizes and honors other religious and cultural celebrations that occur this time of year.

As you know, Catholic Charities is an organization founded in the Catholic faith, especially the Catholic social teachings and faith principles of service and justice. It is these same principles that guide our agency to reach out to all, regardless of their faith tradition or spiritual identity, today. 
 
This time of year is filled with various religious holidays and cultural observances. These include but are not limited to the following:
 
Hanukkah: the eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, is often called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah and traditional foods, games and gifts each night for eight days, honoring the miracle of the oil that kept the Maccabees lights lit centuries ago. This year Hanukkah is celebrated December 18th-26th. 
 
Christmas: celebrated on December 25th, Christmas is a sacred religious holiday for Christians. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with various cultural and religious traditions. Christmas Day celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God, and whose life and teachings form the basis of the Christian religion. Popular Christmas customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, and sharing meals or traditional treats with family and friends.
 
Kwanzaa: Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African Americans together as a community. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. Kwanzaa takes place each year December 26th - January 1st, and each night includes a discussion of one of the Seven Principles, or African cultural values, called the "Nguzo Saba" in Swahili. 

As you can see, this time of year holds an abundance of religious and cultural differences. And at Catholic Charities, we believe that religious differences should be celebrated, not separated. 
 
So regardless of which holidays you may or may not be celebrating in the coming weeks, and what festivities you and your loved ones may be enjoying, I want to wish you a fun, safe, peace and joy-filled remainder of your December and start of your new year. 
 
Blessings,
 
Steve
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Stephen Pareja  | Executive Director
D 320.650.1530     F 320.650.1509 

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud
911 18th Street North, St. Cloud, MN 56303
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