Past Displays - Books: Spirit of the Season

Some of the holidays celebrated in these seasonal books are Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa!

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival observed for eight days and nights, celebrating the recovery of Jerusalem at the beginning of the Maccabean Revolt. Candles on a menorah or hanukkiah are lit each night, traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot are eaten, and parties with songs and games are held.

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 by Christian and Catholic sects to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Popular holiday traditions include gift giving, decorating the house with lights, garlands, and nativity scenes, and caroling. Newer traditions of Santa Claus giving presents to children have emerged in later decades.

Kwanzaa--celebrated from December 26 to January 1--is based on African harvest festival traditions of West and Southeast Africa. First celebrated in 1966, candles are lit on a kinara to celebrate the seven principles of African Heritage. Families celebrating Kwanzaa often decorate their house with colorful African art and fresh fruit, and women often wear kaftans.