During the crisp and chilly month of December, many of the major religions of the world celebrate important holidays that highlight the festive feel of winter. Here at Lamar, many students’ Winter Breaks are highlighted by these religious holidays, a mark in their winter wonderland memories. These three students are just a fraction of the hundreds who will join together with family and friends to create a moment they will reminisce about for years to come.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish people revolted against the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Every year, Hanukkah is celebrated on a different set of dates due to the Hebrew calendar being different to our Gregorian calendar, and this year, Hanukkah will be celebrated between December 25 and January 2. Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah every night and playing with dreidels. “People had to be Jewish in secret, so they made dreidels to teach Hebrew letters,” says Jewish sophomore Brandon Wade. “I remember going to my cousin’s house where we’d have one big game of dreidel, but I wasn’t very good at it. Hanukkah is memorable because of my family, family is what makes these celebrations special.”
Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the humble birth of Jesus Christ. In order to get ready for the coming of Christ, Christians prepare from four weeks before Christmas which marks the season of Advent. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year, and people typically celebrate with their families and friends, and exchange gifts to each other. “This day symbolizes new life, the birth of Jesus Christ,” says junior Stephanie Hernandez. “My church has a whole play that reenacts how the shepherds went to find Jesus after he was born. I was a carpenter once, and I loved it so much.” The celebrations begin from the night before with people anxiously waiting to come worship. “There’s always a big crowd outside during Christmas Eve, it’s insane,” says Hernandez. “But it’s so much fun.”
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the moment when Buddha attained enlightenment. On that day, Buddhists reflect on the teachings of the Buddha and perform mindful activities such as meditation or reciting sutras. It is celebrated on a different day every year because the Buddhists follow a lunar calendar instead of our solar one. This year, Bodhi day will be held on December 8. “My family goes out to pray during special events,” says junior Krittilada Lapasumpanno. “We reflect on what Buddha taught us and we do kind acts as a way to achieve enlightenment like he did. It frees us from suffering and selfishness.”
