Thursday, December 13, 2007 — Once again, it's that time of year. Yes, that time of year when everything in Millsberry gets a little bit more festive. Holiday season is upon us, and people everywhere are celebrating in their own unique way.

We all have our own traditions, which is what makes this time of year so special. Everyone gets together to observe their holidays in their own way. You may not know much about other customs and traditions, but they're all quite intricate and personal to the people who celebrate them.

Kwanzaa is observed each year from December 26th to January 1st. The holiday primarily honors the heritage of African Americans and consists of seven days of celebration. During the seven days there are traditional activities that take place such as candle lighting and the pouring of libations, which is a ritual drink poured as an offering to God.



Kwanzaa concludes with a ceremonial feast and gift giving. The holiday certainly would not be complete without the traditional Kwanzaa Drum, which you can now find at Tricks, Toys & Games.

Another holiday that includes candle lighting is Hanukkah. Light is a central theme to Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights.

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts eight days, beginning on December 4th and ending on December 11th this year. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Macabbees, an ancient Hebrew tribe, and the re-dedication of their Temple in Jerusalem.

There is also a traditional game played during Hannukah using a Dreidel, which is a four-sided top. You can now find a Dreidel to add to your holiday celebration at Tricks, Toys & Games.

On the first night of Hanukkah, one candle of the Menorah is lit. The second night, there are two candles lit. There are nine candles on the Hanukkah Menorah, and the candle in the center is used to light the other candles. The candle lighting goes on each of the eight nights until all of the candles are lit on the Menorah. Each night of Hannukah is also marked by an exchange of gifts.

The Christmas holiday also happens to revolve around gift giving. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and is observed each year on December 25th. During the days leading up to Christmas and Christmas Eve, gifts are placed under the traditional Christmas tree, and on Christmas morning, the gifts are given out in celebration of the holiday.

Another traditional Christmas decoration happens to be Boughs of Holly, which are now also available at Tricks, Toys & Games.

No matter how you celebrate, the Millsberry Gazette wishes you happy holidays.