Everyone loves and looks forward to our winter holidays, bringing family and friends together. We put an immense amount of focus around Christmas, and the idea of celebrating on Dec. 25. Though, there are other holidays that approach these winter days. LSHS should put focus on all of these, not only Christmas. There are other holidays, including Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Las Posadas, that are worth shedding light on. Especially highlighting our student’s individuality and their celebrations.

Diwali, ‘the festival of lights’, is a Hindu festival celebrated throughout India. This event is five days long, taking place in October or November, ‘the 15th month’, according to the Indian calendar. Light clay lamps are made in prosperity to represent any unwanted, negative parts of life. Celebrating the Goddess Lakshmi, known for representing wealth and fortunity. Celebrating with good food, fireworks, a variety of sand, and different candles.

Kwanzaa, ‘first fruit of the harvest’, is a celebration around the commitment to cultural values, taking place at the end of the year, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. Celebrating African-American heritage, to focus on traditional values. Based on the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba. This often entails dancing, storytelling, music, and a large traditional meal.

Hanukkah, a Jewish festival commemorating the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles. This year it was Nov. 28 to Dec. 6. This celebration lasts 8 days long, and consists of

“Saying the prayer and lighting the menorah at dark, gifting and eating a good meal,” senior Ethan Tran said.

This year Hanukkah took place from Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. Hanukkah is a time of being with family and celebrating your blessings. Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed. The ninth candle, known as the shamash, is a candle used to help light the others. Hanukkah also entails beautifully crafted, delicious meals and treats. Such as Latkes, Sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts, Brisket, and Kugel).

According to Tran, the most vital food are, “Latkes, which are pancake-shaped, oil cooked hash browns with onions”.

Las Posadas, a festival celebrated in Mexico each year, from December 16th to December 24th. Commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph, that allowed for Mary to give birth safely. Each night a child, dressed as an angel, leads the procession through town. Consisting of children dressed in silver and gold, carrying candles and images of Mary and Joseph. Followed by musicians, stopping through homes, with drinks provided by hosts.

After each day, a church service called Mass occurs, where children celebrate by breaking pinatas filled with numerous goods. On the final day, in the house of Posada, they place a baby in the manger, followed by a midnight church service, completing the night with fireworks.

It’s important for us as a community to bring light to all holidays and beliefs. Inclusivity is a priority and important to our students and staff. These holidays matter, and should not be ignored.
“It’s unique to me and my identity, and that it allows me to visit family and just celebrate good times,” Tran said.

Students as a whole should feel represented, and valued for who they are and what they celebrate.