Christmas
What it is. The Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. Most American churches mark it on December 25. Some Orthodox churches, which follow an older calendar, celebrate on January 7.
What people do. Church services, often at midnight or on Christmas Eve. Trees, lights, carols, gifts and too much ham. Pew found about nine in ten Americans celebrate Christmas in some way, including many who aren’t Christian.
What to say. “Merry Christmas” to people you know celebrate it. “Happy holidays” if you don’t know. Both are kind.
Don’t. Don’t assume everyone at the office party celebrates it. And don’t make the one Jewish coworker explain Hanukkah to the whole room.
Hanukkah
What it is. An eight-night Jewish festival. It remembers the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE, after the Maccabees won it back. Later tradition tells of a little oil that burned for eight days. Hanukkah even shows up in the Gospel of John: “It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s porch” (John 10:22-23, WEB).
What people do. Light one more candle each night on a menorah, also called a hanukkiah. Eat fried foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Spin the dreidel. Many families give small gifts.
What to say. “Happy Hanukkah” or “Chag sameach.”
Don’t. Don’t call it “Jewish Christmas.” In religious terms it’s a minor festival. It got bigger in America partly because it lands near Christmas. Your neighbor’s holiday isn’t a side dish.
Kwanzaa
What it is. A week-long celebration of African American family, community and culture, from December 26 to January 1. Professor Maulana Karenga created it in 1966. It’s a cultural holiday, not a religious one. The name comes from a Swahili phrase meaning “first fruits.”
What people do. Light one candle each night on a seven-branched kinara. Each day honors one of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Many families hold a feast near the end.
What to say. “Happy Kwanzaa.”
Don’t. Don’t call it a replacement for Christmas. It isn’t a religion, and some families celebrate both.
Lunar New Year
What it is. The new year on the lunar calendar, falling between January 21 and February 20. It’s celebrated by Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and many other communities. Koreans call it Seollal. Vietnamese call it Tết.
What people do. Clean the house beforehand to sweep out bad luck. Gather with family. Honor ancestors. Give red envelopes with money to children. Eat special foods, and in many places, set off fireworks.
What to say.
- Mandarin: Xīnnián kuàilè (Happy New Year)
- Cantonese: Gung hei fat choy (wishing you prosperity)
- Korean: Saehae bok mani badeuseyo (receive many blessings in the new year)
- Vietnamese: Chúc mừng năm mới (Happy New Year)
- Or just: “Happy Lunar New Year!”
Don’t. Don’t call it “Chinese New Year” to a Korean or Vietnamese neighbor. Ask how their family celebrates.
Try it on
This winter, whose lights will you walk past without asking about them? Did you see the neighbor, or just the decorations?