December Edition︱Holidays
National Mutt Day | By Isabella
In many cultures, dogs are seen as man’s best friend. In some though, dogs are impure and dirty. Humans are the most evolved species, so it's natural for us to be grossed out or even scared of a dog. But it really depends on the owner and dog, but people are different, so are dogs. Those which grew up in a supportive, kind, and fun, they turn into caring and funny pets to hang out with. For example, my dog named Yapalli is a sweet dog who looks intimidating, but is actually so sweet. With many dogs putting their lives and career into helping the quality of humans, we should simply repay them. Which is how we now have a day for just them specifically. This cheerful holiday takes place on December 2nd.
Winter Aesthetic | By Galitte
Over the years, the number of aesthetics has multiplied–that is, people continue to come up with multiple styles and trends. There are thousands of looks floating through the internet. But none have been as influential as the “Clean Girl” and the “Coquette” aesthetics. These two styles go hand in hand when it comes to creating countless trends, put forth by celebrities, influencers, musicians and even brands. Ten years ago, winter trends were influenced by Victoria Secret plaid onesies, Starbucks drinks, and the Kardashians. And what’s intriguing is that all of these things are still tied to winter, but aesthetics have changed them so much that a mood board from 2014 and 2024 would be drastically different.
Nowadays people associate winter with things like Bambi aesthetic and Winter Wonderland. Even the color palette has changed from red and green to pastel pink, periwinkle and emerald. All of the same brands are still relevant but the way the Clean Girl aesthetic and Coquette aesthetic have influenced what people want to purchase has transformed what these brands sell. But will these aesthetics continue to shape the way we view holidays such as Christmas, New Years’s Eve or Hanukkah? Only time will tell.
Fluffy, white collars & red velvet tops. Winter is a phenomenal season, it has a revolutionary impact on fashion, and having it follow the fall makes this season even more influential. Every year, companies generate nearly a trillion dollars from winter sales. And you wanna know what the best part is? They plan this summers before! Companies decide trends for people. They have textile designers and other professionals create holiday patterns that they anticipate will be popular in the next year or so. How do I know about this? My mother is textile designer. Every summer and spring I look over her computer and see her arranging Christmas trees for a quilt. Though it is always uncertain of whether or not these trends will become popular, they are all decided before the public. As aesthetics and trends shape the purchases of consumers, the Holiday changes too. Colors have become more neutral. All people want their homes to for there personal aesthetic, thus neutralizing the holiday colors.
The Holidays of December | By Sabrina
There are many holidays that happen during December. For example Christmas the most famous of them all but people often forget other days such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa because their too cut up in the Christmas spirit. In this article I will talk about December Holidays that happen around the world but are often forgotten and also Christmas. This will include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Bodhi day, Ōmisoka, st. Nicholas day and again Christmas which will talk about their stories, purpose and celebrations. I picked these holidays even there are many more because of time and how these specifically reflect different cultures and how they celebrated holidays in December that are not Christmas.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah also known as the Festival of Lights is a Jewish holiday celebrated on December 25 to January 2. The story of Hanukkah is that the Roman came and destroyed one of holiest temple for the Jewish destroying the menorah( it was damaged), they only had enough oil to last for one day but Hashem(god) blessed the oil and menorah which made it light for eight days enough time for the others to get more oil. This is a story of hope and light and it’s a very inspiring story. Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting a menorah every night that has nine candles but the middle one is always lighten and on last day they wait for the menorah to be put out naturally (fire safety). They frie a lot of food, ladka which is food that contains potatoes and it’s fried which is similar to French fries but more flat is the most popular one, play dreidel, singing songs and saying certain prayers but, because of Christmas some families would give a present to their kids everyday of Hanukkah.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa (first fruit) is an annual celebration of African American culture which will lead to a feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day, which lasts from December 26 to January 1. The story of Kwanzaa is that it was created by the Karenga after the Watts rebellion in 1966 with the purpose to give the African Americans to celebrate their history and themselves. Kwanzaa has a kinara (candle holder) which hold the mishumaa saba (seven candles), the mishumaa saba represent the seven virtues Umoja (unity and first candle lit), Kujichagulia (self determination and second candle lit), Ujima (collective work and responsibility and third candle lit), Ujamaa (cooperative economics and fourth candle lit), Nia (purpose and fifth candle lit), kuumba (creativity and sixth candle lit) and Imani (faith and last candle lit). People celebrate Kwanzaa by assembling the Kwanzaa display and lighting the candles on their respective days, preparing and sharing food, reflecting on the virtue of the day, honoring ancestors and sharing your talents.
Diwali
Diwali is a Festival of Lights, a celebration of sights, sounds, arts, and flavors, which was celebrated from October 31 to November 1 this year. There is no specific religion that celebrates Diwali but the ones that are most popular are Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The story of Diwali in Hinduism is that Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshman returning to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. Rama defeated the demon king Ravana who had kidnapped Sita. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome them home, and this tradition continues today. In Jainism Diwali celebrates the day when Lord Mahavira (the last Jain Tirthankara) attained nirvana. In Sikhism Diwali celebrates the victory of Guru Hargobind over Emperor Jahangir in 1619. Guru Hargobind refused to leave prison until he was able to bring all of the princes with him. Finally in southern India Diwali celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Naraka. Diwali is celebrated by decorating homes and workplaces are cleaned, renovated, and decorated with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis (colorful art circle patterns, light diyas on the night of the new moon since diyas are lit to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, they worship the Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, people enjoy delicious feasts, exchange gifts and sweets. wear new clothes, watch firework displays, share traditional stories, Govardhan Puja (A day dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna), create rangoli designs and watch Diwali-themed movies.
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DAY | By Sophia
Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10th each year. It’s a day to remember that everyone has basic rights that should be protected, no matter where they live. These rights include things like the right to live freely, to be treated fairly, and to have access to education, food, and healthcare. The day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948. This declaration is a list of rights that should be guaranteed to all people around the world.
Human Rights Day reminds us to stand up for those whose rights are being violated and to work towards a world where everyone is treated equally and with respect. Even though many countries have made progress, there is still much to be done to protect human rights for all people.