From a teen's perspective: Holiday Inclusivity
Society needs to take a moment this season and recognize Christmas isn’t the only holiday. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. From candlelight services to watching Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on repeat, the Christmas season gives me a feeling of joy and comfort following the stress of midterms. However, I understand not everyone celebrates this holiday, and I believe we should recognize and appreciate other religious holidays as well.
Christmas has consumed the economy. Commercials, storefronts, TV shows, movies, and music are full of Christmas magic. This is great for those of us who celebrate Christmas, putting us in a constant state of magically, happy feelings that come with the season. But when was the last time you saw a Hanukkah movie? Or maybe an advertisement for Kwanzaa? Have you heard of Rohatsu? Zarathosht Diso?
By no means am I suggesting we stop celebrating Christmas. I hope for the opposite. At the core of the Christmas season is love. Loving others and showing love through good deeds embodies the month of December. To celebrate Christmas, treat everyone around you with love. Part of doing this, however, is respecting other religions and their celebrations as well.
The first step to this more inclusive holiday season is education. Make sure you are aware of these other holidays, and respect them when they occur. Here are a few holidays from other religions besides Christianity that are approaching or have already occurred:
Judaism’s Hanukkah (11/28-12/6): commemorates the lasting of one day’s oil for eight days during the rededication of the Second Temple
Kwanzaa (12/26-1/1): celebration of African culture and originally meant for unification of African-Americans
Buddhism’s Rohatsu/Bodhi Day (12/8): celebration of Buddha’s decision to sit until enlightenment is reached
Zoroastrianism's Zarathosht Diso (12/26): honors the death of the founder of Zoroastrianism (Zarathustra)
Recognizing and appreciating the holidays mentioned is very important to producing a holiday season that is inclusive of all religions. Show the love of this season by further educating yourself, and exemplifying the true spirit of the holiday season through love.
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