Holidays and customs
Holidays, greetings, food and manners, so you know what to say, what to bring, and how to show you care.
105.3 Porch TimeIn Which We Learn the Customs Next Door
- Can I miss school for my religious holiday? Usually, yes. Most schools excuse absences for religious holidays, and many states require it. 1 min read
- How do I welcome a neighbor from a different culture? Knock, say hi, and tell them your name. Learn theirs, and say it right. 2 min read
- Is Día de los Muertos “Mexican Halloween”? No. Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a time to remember and welcome back loved ones who have died. 2 min read
- Is it OK to say “Merry Christmas” to someone who isn’t Christian? Yes, almost always. Most non-Christian Americans celebrate Christmas in some way, and most people hear “Merry Christmas” as a kind wish, not a sermon. 2 min read
- My friend is fasting for Ramadan. What do I do at lunch? Eat your lunch. Your friend has fasted next to sandwiches for years, and most don’t mind. 1 min read
- Ramadan and Lent at the same time? What’s going on? Ramadan follows the moon, so it moves about 11 days earlier each year. 2 min read
- What is Diwali? Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists. 2 min read
- What is Hanukkah? Is it “Jewish Christmas”? Hanukkah is an eight-night Jewish festival of lights. 2 min read
- What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year is the new year celebration based on the lunar (moon) calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar most of the world uses. 3 min read
- What is Ramadan, and how do I wish a Muslim neighbor well? Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting. Many Muslims go without food or drink from dawn to sunset, then break the fast together at night. 2 min read
- What should I bring when a neighbor from another culture invites me over? Bring fruit, nice sweets, flowers or something from a good bakery. 2 min read
- Why do people shake hands or hug in the middle of church? It’s called the sharing of the peace. In many Lutheran, Catholic, Episcopal and Methodist churches, people turn to those nearby and say “Peace be with you.” Many reply “And also with you,” or just “Peace.” A handshake, nod or wave is fine. 2 min read
- Why don’t some families celebrate Halloween? Usually it’s about faith. Some Christians feel Halloween’s focus on death, spirits and fear clashes with what they believe. 2 min read
Guides for this shelf
On the air
- Why do church people hug in the middle of the service? The Feeling Behind ItVoiced by David Recording soon · about 5 min