Cool Holiday Traditions from Coast to Coast

Published by sweetspot.ca on 2011/11/17

If there’s one thing we’ve come to cherish during the holiday season, it’s the special customs we observe each year with family and friends. From Christmas carols to Kwanzaa kaftans, we’re taking a look at the fun festivities celebrated all over the world.

Wearing Traditional African Attire for Kwanzaa
Men and women dress up in bold colours and intricate prints to celebrate heritage and culture during this seven-day holiday. It is customary for women to wear a kaftan or a pull-over robe made of cotton brocade, linen, lace or satin while men usually wear a dashiki — a brightly-coloured, tailored and embroidered top.
Photo credit: www.africawithin.com

The Festivus Pole for Festivus
Made popular thanks to a Seinfeld episode, Festivus is a secular holiday for those who wish to celebrate the season in a non-commercial way. Set up your own aluminum Festivus pole (no decoration necessary), call easily explainable events Festivus miracles, or enjoy a family dinner to celebrate.
Photo credit: Matthew Keefe

Lighting the Menorah for Hanukkah
When a tiny drop of oil kept a lamp in the Temple burning for eight whole days, it was a huge miracle, so today’s observers light the Menorah (a nine-branched candelabra) for eight days. Families that celebrate the Festival of Lights increase the number of candles lit by one each night.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Along with catching the sunset on the eve of the solstice, families may celebrate the shortest day of the year by eating special foods, including watermelon and pomegranates, lighting candles and reading poetry.
Photo credit: Steev

Decking Out the Tree for Christmas
Since originating in 16^th century Germany, families today continue to bring a tree into the home and adorn it with various ornaments, lights and garlands during the days leading up to Christmas. While an angel or star is usually placed at the top (to honour the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity scene), each household cherishes the time spent personalizing a display.
Photo credit: Yatharth