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Holiday Fun Facts
Santa Claus
Christmas is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in countries around the world, including many whose populations are mostly non-Christian.
Countries have adopted many of the secular aspects of Christmas, such as gift-giving, decorations, and Christmas trees. Family reunions and the exchange of gifts are a widespread feature of the season. Gift giving takes place on Christmas Day (December 25) in most countries. Others practice gift giving on December 6, Saint Nicholas Day, and January 6, Epiphany.
The man we know as Santa Claus is based off these two notable predecessor figures:
St. Nicholas, a famous 4th century Greek bishop who was known for his generous gifts to the poor and
Sinterklaas, a traditional winter holiday figure in the Low Countries of Europe. Merged together, he became known as Father Christmas. Father Christmas was then associated and known as the Americanized "Santa Claus". This name was first used in the American press in 1773.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights and Feast of Dedication. It is an eight-day Jewish holiday
commemorating the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, by the kindling of the nine-branched Menorah. A candle is lit on each night of the holiday. This year it starts November 27th and ends on December 5th.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a week long celebration. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as the first specifically African-American holiday. It was established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage by uniting in meditation and study of African traditions and Nguzu Saba, the seven principles of African Heritage (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.) It starts on December 26th and ends on January 1st.

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