Emma Bodnar '25
December is widely considered to be one of the best times of the year - from the promise of snow to the beginning of winter culminating in the celebration of Christmas, it’s no surprise how popular the season is. We know what Christmas is like here in New York - the gargantuan Christmas Tree is lit in Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park’s Christmas markets open up, and tourists pour in by the busload to populate Manhattan and see the sights. What we might not know, however, is how other cities across the country - and even across the world - celebrate the Christmas season. Depending on one’s environment, culture, and upbringing, Christmas can mean something different to each individual.
Beginning in America, most families begin December by putting up a Christmas tree to decorate, drinking eggnog, and sending out Christmas cards. Christians place miniatures of the Nativity scene on their mantles and tables, awaiting the birth of Jesus. Those who are Jewish prepare for the celebration of Hanukkah in mid-December by playing dreidel and eating latkes. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African-American culture beginning on December 26 and ending on January 1. A kinara - similar to a menorah lit during the nights of Hanukkah - is a candle holder with 7 branches that holds green, red, and black candles. Each candle represents one of the Seven Principals that is lit on each day of Kwanzaa.
American customs are very similar to those in European countries like England, France, Italy, Poland, and The Netherlands. Some European countries celebrate the Feast Day of St. Nicholas on December 6 - but the celebration can differ depending on which country it is. Growing up with a Hungarian father, St. Nicholas’ Day - Mikulás - was one of my favorite holidays of the year. On the evening of December 5th, children shine their shoes - in my case, the biggest pair of boots I could find - and place it in their windows for Szent Mikulás to leave chocolates and sweets in for the next morning.
In Latin America, Christmas Eve is usually reserved for celebrations rather than Christmas Day. Midnight mass is held with fireworks afterwards, and Christmas trees are commonly decorated in Argentina and Uruguay. In Portugal, Christmas plays and nativity scenes are popular, and in Venezuela it is a tradition to roller skate to Midnight Mass. Christmas is celebrated in some parts of Africa, where citizens attend Church, sing carols and dance together. In South Africa, it is common to decorate fir trees and leave a stocking out for Santa Claus to fill.
Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and so many more festivities occur during the month of December. Whether you’re in New York, Africa, Hungary, or Portugal, there is a holiday event near you.
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