During the month of December, there are holidays, both non-secular and secular, that are celebrated and observed around Air Academy High School. Such holidays are celebrated by many different religions and cultures; many of which have great significance and symbolism around the world.

Hanukkah is a religious holiday celebrated by Jewish people. The origins of this “festival of lights” was around 164 B.C. During this time,  the Maccabees, a small group of Jews fighting for religious freedom, won victory over the Syrians.  Upon returning to the Temple, they found only one jar of oil to light the eternal light (the perpetual light kept burning constantly in the holy temple in Jerusalem). In spite of the shortage of oil, a miracle happened, the eternal light burned for eight days instead of just one. The oil kept the lamp illuminated until more oil was delivered. In celebration of this miracle, a special eight-branched candle- holder,  known as a menorah,  is lit over this period to celebrate the eight day miracle. This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from November 28th to December 5th.

Another religious holiday observed by both Christians and Pagans is Christmas. On this day, Christians honor the birth of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago. The birth of Jesus is extremely important to the Christian religion because he was God in the flesh, and came to Earth for our salvation.  This is the most widely observed Christian festival of the year. People celebrate it by exchanging gifts, decorating homes and communities with lights and ornaments, singing celebratory carols, and attending parties and meals. It is celebrated the 25th of December. Another Christian holiday celebrated in December is Advent (the first Sunday of December). The word “advent” means coming or arrival, and the Christian Church year begins with advent, which is also a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The next holiday was created to honor the rich history of African- Americans. The holiday, meaning ‘first fruit’ in Swahili, is made up of seven principles: unity, self-determination, working together, sharing, purpose, creativity, and faith.  Seven basic symbols and two supplemental ones: mazao (crops), mkeka (mat), kinara (candle holder), muhindi (corn), mishumaa Saba (seven candles), kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), zawadi (gifts), bendera (flag), nguzo saba poster (poster of the seven principles) communicate these values. Candles are lit on each consecutive night in a seven-branched candle- holder ; each lighting represents the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Black, red and green symbolize Kwanzaa.  Black represents the people, red signifies their struggle, and green stands for the future and the hope that emanates from the struggle. This holiday is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

The last holiday is Bodhi Day, which is celebrated by Buddhists. This day commemorates the date of Siddhartha Gautama’s (Buddha) realization and presentation of the Four Noble Truths, which are based around the ideas of dukkha (suffering, anxiety, and unsatisfaction).

The month of December also includes many bizarre, unique celebrations. World Aids Awareness Day is the day in which people unite across the world in order to fight against HIV.  Festivus is a holiday originally started on the well-known sitcom, Seinfeld. The holiday consists of a decorated aluminum pole, the special festivus dinner – meatloaf, followed by “Feats of Strength,” and ended with an Airing of Grievances. During this time, you tell someone how disappointed you are over something someone did or didn’t do this year. Lastly, is  National Chocolate Day. On this day, you can join in the celebration by eating some chocolate.

From Christmas to Festivus, December is full of holidays. So, go out and enjoy your holiday festivities!