Why Do We Celebrate Hahnukkah

David Sedaris explains the different holiday practices Americans and the Dutch have. He talks about how Americans and Dutch people celebrate Christmas, also how they view the tale of Santa Claus. As Sedaris says, the American figure, Santa Claus, is “jolly and obese,” yet the Dutch figure, Saint Nicholas, is portrayed as “painfully thin, and not unlike the pope.” The differences between the Dutch and American Christmas figures and traditions provide evidence of the differences between their national character. Americans, with their fat, jolly Santa and tradition of opening presents on Christmas day are more materialistic and consumerist than the Dutch, whose skinny St. Nicholas and less gift-centered Christmas traditions are evidence of their

Being only one month apart in date, Christmas and Thanksgiving have two very different seasons. In November, when its considered fall, leaves have changed colors, the temperature has dropped some and the air brings crisp breezes. Often than not, you’ll see hay rides being offered, corn mazes and folks not quite in their full winter attire. But when Christmas time rolls around snow has fallen, not a trace of leaves on the trees and a bit too cold for hay rides and corn mazes. This would be one month later, in December, where you will see town’s people bundled up in their warmest winter gear, building snowmen or making snow angels. Two individual seasons that are

Christmas has been kept for hundreds of years with traditions, in many countries around the world. The United States starts to prepare for Christmas months in advance. From decorating with lights, to shopping, Americans are so hyped up about this holiday. But Americans seem blinded about other countries’ cultures, so that blind fold will be taken off now. The Christmas traditions and customs of Brazil, Egypt, and Sweden will be explored to show how others celebrate Christmas.

As we approach the holiday season, we occasionally lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas while on getting a steal on our favorite pair of boots. Christmas is a time for honoring Jesus and giving. For my community service activity, I helped my grandmother decorate her house for Christmas on December 20th.

We all know what Christmas is. At least I hope so. You may not celebrate it, but you know what it is. Some have Hanukkah and others have Kwanzaa. Hanukkah is for the Jews who celebrate the victory of the Maccabees over the larger Syrian army. While with Kwanzaa, people light a kinara and give gifts to each other. This takes place over seven days. Isn't that nice? Seven days of celebration! Christmas however… Is a single day. With Christmas, the children believe in a big, old, jolly man in a red suit called “Santa Clause”. On Christmas night he comes down your chimney, leaves presents and take the milk and cookies. For one thing, that's breaking and entering and for a second thing, he leaves unknown gifts?! You don't know whats in there! It

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. From Christmas carols to holiday parties, this celebration seems to be deeply embedded in American Culture. How has this holiday and its traditions become so prevalent in the United States? Historian Stephen Nissenbaum attempted to answer this question and in doing so challenged the old assumptions about Christmas and its traditions in his book The Battle for Christmas. In this book, he discussed how historians have previously studied Christmas in an isolated manner away from culture (page xii).

Many families during the month of December are busy shopping for Christmas presents, decorating a Christmas tree, and getting ready for Santa Clause. For those families celebrating Hanukkah this can conclude of preparing Latkes, singing Ma’Oz Tzur, and lighting the candles of the Menorah.

There are several Symbols associated with Christmas, Santa Claus, Snow or cold weather, Wreaths, garland , wrapping paper and a Christmas tree. Society does not look at Halloween costumes or a hot sunny day and think of Christmas, although when I noticed that some retailers have Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas décor out, it does not seem to mesh well. But retailers are showing society these symbols getting them thinking about what’s coming soon.

With the wreaths and Yule logs that come standard with this holiday comes a caring from deep in the hearts of people unbeknownst to them at any other time of the year. At the sight of the Christmas decor and the flames roaring at the hearth, a warmth envelops the heart, one with which no flame, however hot, could compete. We see in our gift-wrap and our greeting cards and our holiday stockings an entirely new persona occupying this world we live in, reprieving us from the daily heartaches we all know as familiar.

From December 1st to the 31st there are many holidays celebrated. Christmas and Hanukkah both play huge roles in this season. They may have many differences, but they both make us come together as a whole and make memories that last a lifetime.

All around the world individuals of different descents celebrate Christmas with their own custom approach. Although my mothers side of the family is part German and Native American, we don’t celebrate any traditions related to our background. I come from the plain old American family who gets to open one present on Christmas Eve and then sets out cookies and milk for Santa. However, it may be time to learn a little bit and introduce some traditions to my dull family.

holiday tradition to show love for others and express the good that people have in their

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” describes the Christmas season and in the many, many holiday movies as a merry, bright, and a time to spend with loved ones. Festive activities that typically take place are baking cookies, wrapping presents, putting up holiday decorations around the house, putting up lights but what is Christmas without a tree! Decorating the Christmas tree is an exceptionally famous and treasured tradition that many people share, notably, it truly doesn’t matter what kind of tree whether it be artificial or straight from the local supermarket parking lot. Christmas can be the most wonderful time of year, if the taken steps are precise.

The average population of the United States develops themselves on the basic understanding that Christmas is the same recognition around the world. On December 25th, people open gifts, eat a hearty meal, and usually attend some type of religious ceremony. However, the population may be surprised to find that their just perception is wrong. Greenland, Jamaica, Zambia have many traditions that recognize Christmas.

We each take a huge breath as we step out into the crispy snow that snaps under our boots. I make my way to the front door, illuminated by the red, green, and blue Christmas lights. As I open the door and step into a house full of cheek pinches and hugs, an array of Christmas smells welcomes me and makes my mouth water. As my family and I are quickly made comfortable, I look around... All the house is full of Christmas decorations, and the carols are heard all over the house. My cousins are running, playing , and laughing.