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Writer's pictureLiz Sprankle

Happy Holidays!


Hi Friends! Happy Holidays to you and yours. Do you know why we say "Happy Holidays"? Well I literally learned today why. I always thought it was a generic term people said because they had some issue with Christmas or Hanukkah (I only really knew about Christmas and Hanukkah growing up so pls don't judge me). Boy do I feel completely silly now. I'm sorry to all those I directed attitude towards for telling me that. 😬


Wishing others, especially those you don't know, "Happy Holidays", is acknowledging there are multiple holidays celebrated in December....Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas.... and since we don't know what they celebrate it's our way of saying “whatever you're celebrating this time of year...have a good one". I really like that. It's respectful.


For those of us who celebrate one of the special December holidays I want to give acknowledgement and appreciation of each one.


Kwanzaa:

A celebration of African American culture that takes place from December 26 to January 1. It's inspired by the beginning of the harvest season in Africa. It is a time of learning, family and celebration. During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and to celebrate African and African American culture. The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza”, or first fruits, referring to First fruits or Harvest festivals that are found throughout Africa.


Hanukkah:

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that lasts eight days and reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC, after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces. In commemoration, candles are lit on each night of the festival by the shammash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival. Although the Jewish people only had enough oil to keep the flame burning for a single day, miraculously, the flames lasted for eight nights. During this time, they were able to find other oil supplies, and were inspired to dedicate an eight-day festival in celebration of this holy miracle. Other Hanukkah festivities include singing Hanukkah songs, playing the game of dreidel and eating oil-based foods, such as latkes and sufganiyot, and dairy foods. Hanukkah is always on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. 25 Kislev is a date from the Hebrew calendar. This is a lunisolar calendar, which means that unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Hebrew calendar is based on both the Sun and the Moon.


Christmas:

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name "Christmas" comes from the Mass of Christ, a service where Christians remember Jesus' death and resurrection. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday or Christian festival. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend.

  • Love: Jesus came to give us love.

  • Hope: Jesus is always with us.

  • Joy: Jesus comforts and encourages us.

  • Forgiveness: Jesus died for our sins and came back to life.


Christmas is a time to:

  • Give thanks for the love, hope, and joy found in Jesus

  • Exchange gifts with loved ones

  • Remember the gift God gave us in Jesus

  • Reflect on love, joy, family, and giving


I am always proud to say I am a Christian. I believe in our Lord and He has given me so much grace and blessings throughout my life. Even in the most difficult times and darkest days He was there and brought me to the light. I am here today because of Him.


Not everyone believes in what the traditional meaning of Christmas stands for and that is a personal choice. No judgement should ever be given. Everyone has a story. A journey they've traveled. Christmas has grown through the centuries to mean something different for others. It is known as a Secular family holiday, celebrated by people of all faiths. For many, it's a time for goodwill, charitable work, and seasonal entertainment.













Christmas is celebrated with many traditions, including:

  • Caroling

  • Watching holiday movies

  • Seeing productions of The Nutcracker ballet

  • Attending school holiday pageants

  • Listening to Christmas music on the radio

  • Creating manger scenes

  • Attending Christmas Eve services


For all who celebrate this time of year, no matter what or how, there is a variety of ways we represent:

  • Celebration: A time to celebrate the values that are important to you, such as family and friends

  • Connection: A time to gather with loved ones and express gratitude for each other

  • Giving: A time to give back to your community or to those you love

  • Cultural or religious events: A time to commemorate important events or ideas in history

  • Tradition: A time to practice traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations

  • Shared values: A time to recognize shared values and beliefs

  • A break: A time to relax and take a break from responsibilities


No matter what you're celebrating this Holiday season we wish you every happiness, peace and joy. Enjoy all your blessings and time with those you love. ❤️💚💙💛











Everyone here at DERTY Yoga wishes you the most Merry & Bright Holiday Season ever! See you on the mat in 2025!



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