In the Spirit of Christmas

So, now that you are all educated on Hanukkah and some of the traditions, it's time we look at Christmas. Christmas takes place on December 25 and celebrates the birth of Jesus. Many people say that Christmas has gotten away from the religious aspect, but in many Christians' minds the religious aspects are still very prominent.

Unlike Hanukkah which is celebrated over a span of eight days, Christmas just takes place on the one day. However, planning for this special occassion starts around Halloween. Each year stores seem to be pushing the holidays on consumers sooner and sooner. Christmas shopping for most people starts the day after Thanksgiving on the popular, Black Friday.

Like Hanukkah there are traditions that almost everyone who celebrates the holiday takes part in. For Christmas celebrators this includes decorating their home. Christmas trees, lights and nativity scenes are all popular decorations for people who celebrate this holiday.



Like with any other event that college students take part in, we look to do things on a small budget. For students on a budget typically a lot of handmade decorations are created. In the pictures above some students at Slippery Rock University gathered to create personal ornaments.

Finally, like Hanukkah the true holiday is what you and your family make of it. Every family has their own traditions for the holidays that they celebrate. Morgan Ricketts, 20, and a student at SRU, explains a simple tradition that has been in her family for as long as she can remember.



Carly Stevens, 20, and also a student at SRU, recalls the tradition of attending mass on Christmas Eve. Many churches offer a mass on Christmas Eve, and it is a tradition of many Christians to attend and celebrate the birth of Jesus.



Finally, Stevens explains a tradition that her family takes part in every year on Christmas day. Traditions like these help make the day more special.



Like Hanukkah it is up to your family's traditions to provide a clear definition of what the holiday really is. Each family's traditions help to morph the holiday into something truly unique.

Check back early next week for my final update which will discuss traditions of Kwanzaa.