As we bring 2021 to a close, we recognize and celebrate the cultural and religious holidays and celebrations that come at the end of December and start us off in the new year. Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa have several commonalities that we can observe and celebrate, such as faith, culture, gathering with loved ones, and the sharing of food.
For centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ, the winter solstice was the focus of celebrations. This was a time that many people throughout Europe celebrated the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. This time coincided with the time that cattle were slaughtered and fermented drink was ready for consumption, so the winter solstice was a time for feasting. To Indigenous peoples worldwide, the winter solstice has been observed for millennia and is a time to celebrate the natural world and the interconnectedness of all things. It is a time of self-care and care for loved ones and family. Many indigenous people continue to mark the solstice with storytelling and ceremony.
Christmas was not a Christian holiday in the early years of Christianity. It wasn’t until the fourth century that Pope Julius I chose December 25 as a church holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Because it occurred around the same time as the winter solstice, the celebrations continued in much the same way with food and drink. This also became the time of year when the wealthy could ‘repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens. Christmas was not celebrated by all in early America and was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. Eventually, Christmas was declared a federal holiday in America on June 26, 1870.
Although a much more recent holiday, Kwanzaa was created in 1966 to bring African Americans and the black community together to honor the traditions of the African culture. Originating from a Swahili phrase meaning ‘First Fruits,’ Kwanzaa is often celebrated with music, friends and family, and traditional foods. Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days. Each day is defined by one of seven fundamental principles: unity, self-determination, collective work & responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. A celebration of family and community, Kwanzaa is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment and responsibility to each other.
It is clear to see that however one chooses to celebrate or believe, the concept of working together as a community to support and build each other up has long been the foundation of many observances. Celebrating and honoring our world and the bounty available to sustain all living creatures is a powerful concept that allows us to continue building and strengthening our communities and give thanks for our blessings.
Take Action:
- Winter Solstice 2021: When is it, and What is it?
- Acknowledging the Winter Solstice is a Decolonial Act for Indigenous People
- How to Celebrate Kwanzaa in the (Messy) Year of 2021
- Eventbrite: Stories for a Winter Solstice – December 18, 2021
- Eventbrite: Celebrate Kwanzaa – Online Celebration – December 26 – January 1
- Eventbrite: Virtual Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols – December 24, 2021
- Attach the Winter Celebrations design elements to your email signature and/or use it in your social media
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the following resources are available: DEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education, and the UNITE workshops for faculty, staff, and students.
