What do you celebrate this time of year?
Christmas, Hannukah and even Kwanzaa get all the attention in December, but did you know about National Green Bean Casserole Day (12/3) or National Cookie Day (12/4)? National Joy Day (12/7) and National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (12/20)? Even Happy National Underdog Day or National Bacon Day (12/30)! You name it and it seems there’s a day to celebrate it.
With so much to feel festive about, why do we sometimes find it hard to support each other’s traditions?
When my kids were very young, their school talked openly about the more traditional holidays in December – Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa. The students did crafts and read stories to learn about different customs. Not to be indoctrinated into another tradition, but to be educated about the variety of beliefs and practices that existed beyond the walls of their homes.
The kids recognized that their family celebrated one holiday while their friends might celebrate another. One friend might eat Italian food at family gatherings, and another might have turkey or ham or no meat at all. The kids accepted these differences as easily as they did their varied preferences in books or games or candy. No big deal.
Then for a time, they stopped talking about holiday celebrations at school. In order not to offend or leave anyone out, no holidays were discussed at all. But not talking about them doesn’t mean they don’t exist. They’re a big part of our lives and present cultural topics worth learning about. Ignorance of the beliefs and customs of others leads to misunderstanding and intolerance. So let’s talk about them and embrace what we each have to share.
We celebrate Christmas in our family, but I welcome my kids learning about the cultures and beliefs of others. When they were invited to a friend’s bar mitzvah growing up, for example, I hoped they would observe and learn to respect the different ways we all celebrate milestones in life. When we know more about what others celebrate and why, we interact from a place of understanding and respect instead of exclusion and othering.
This world can be tough. There’s a time for the seriousness of work and school, a time to take care of our responsibilities, and a time to mourn. But there’s also a time for joy and celebration. The more the better! Open yourself up to the world of possibilities.
Whatever resonates with you, connect with others who share your passion and celebrate. Find common ground with those who share your beliefs. And educate the rest of us on your traditions – maybe even invite us to join in the fun!
However you celebrate, we wish you and yours a fun-filled, peaceful holiday season surrounded by people you care about. May you close out 2024 and go into 2025 with an open heart and curious mind. We have so much to learn from each other. Let’s do this…together.
