Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

EDITORIAL: There's more to winter break than just Christmas
Staff Editorial
Sagebrush (U. Nevada-Reno)
12/14/2006

(U-WIRE) RENO, Nev. — The holidays are a time to retreat to your comfort zone. Most students spend time with their families, nestled around the tree, signing carols, drinking eggnog and crunching on gingerbread men. But what about students who don't celebrate Christmas and have a menorah or kinara in place of a tree?

In the spirit of becoming a more diverse, knowledgeable and experienced person while in college, why not go out and celebrate another holiday this season? A full conversion isn't necessary, but spending a night with a family or friends who celebrate differently might add to the college experience.

Most students have heard of Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, but there are other lesser known holidays too. For the sports fanatics out there, try observing Boxing Day. Traditionally observed as a feudal holiday, the tradition has evolved into a sporting celebration in Europe acknowledged December 26. In the United Kingdom people celebrate it by participating in fox hunting, football (soccer) and horse racing. Lacking in foxes? You could celebrate Boxing Day the French way by shopping after Christmas sales.If shopping and English football isn't quite what you had in mind try communing with nature and celebrate the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice.

Traditionally winter solstice is a Pagan holiday that celebrates the death and rebirth of the Sun. It has traditions that are strikingly similar to Christmas including decorating evergreens, lights, gift giving and song singing. Of course, if you have never been to a Hanukkah or Kwanzaa celebration, now might be the year to expand to different celebrations.

Kwanzaa is a secular week-long holiday to honor Black heritage in America celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Observers light a kinara, seven-branched candle holder, give gifts and spend time with loved ones.

The Jewish holiday Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration commemorating the rededication of the Temple after its desecration under the Greek rule of Antiochus. Jews usually light an eight-branched candleholder called a menorah and give gifts to celebrate. Depending on whom you know, these holidays may or may not be exotic, but they're at least out there being celebrated, so you owe yourself the experience.

That being said, we at The Nevada Sagebrush would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

[ Back to Student Voices ]