THE HOLIDAY SEASON

There seems to be a movement [another one] about people saying Merry Christmas as opposed to Happy Holidays.” Christ is the reason for the season” or “Put the Christ back in Christmas”. I do understand that point of view as well as “Happy Holidays”.

Growing up in NYC there are so many different ethnic groups in so many neighborhoods attending the same school system it was hard pressed not to see the different traditions expressed during the holidays. In 1960’s and 1970’s Public Schools we learned the songs for both Hanukah and Christmas carols. I still remember most of the words the Jewish song. There is “Three kings Day”.  The streets were decorated with colorful lights that hung across both sides of the streets. The beautiful lights were mostly enjoyed after dark. This was done in the neighborhoods with strong Italian influences. Then you have the store window decorations which was my favorite. R.H. Macy’s out did everyone. The Jewish neighbors had their Menorahs with the nine candles being lite on each day of Hanukah. It was a festive time of the year. We didn’t know if “Merry Christmas” offended you or not. If one didn’t answer back well you knew not to greet them that way next year. So “Season’s Greetings” became apropos! Life in the big city is more festive any day!

Kwaanza started in the 1980’s as an African American “anti-holiday shopping for the season” which encourages principles such as Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith)

http://theblackcandle.com/about-kwanzaa/

“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice.” http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml

Today it seems to be less festive, less inclusive with the “Jesus is the reason for the season” attitude. Not everyone is of the Christian faith. The fact remains that The Christ was not born on December 25^th anyway. We as [supposed Christians] are in fact followers of the teaching of the Christ who was a minister to the Jews and Gentile alike. According to the Bible Ishmael was the first born to Abraham then Isaac was born. For some reason the “blessing” was not given to the first born in this case. Please let me apologize now, I am not a Jewish historian. I am not a historian of anything other than my life. Being that said I am speaking for my POV [point of view].

I digress; “Season’s Greetings” is inclusive of all. It is a festive time of the year. When I go back to the neighborhood I grew up in, it looks nothing like I remembered it. There are different ethnic groups now celebrating this season or not, as they see fit to do.

Happy Holidays & Season’s Greetings, and have a Happy New year!

I’m sticking to it!

…..Pandora