Exploring the Winter Holidays: A Season of Lights, Love, and Togetherness

Winter is here! With cozy nights, hot cocoa, and festive decorations popping up everywhere, it’s clear that this time of year brings people together in the most wonderful ways. And while Christmas tends to dominate this time of year with glittering lights, red and white decorations, and Mariah Carey’s holiday album on repeat everywhere, there are also other holidays celebrated fillingl this season with joy and meaning.

At NIHAO, we love learning about all the diverse traditions that help families create special memories and connect with their communities. Whether your little one is just learning about these holidays or your family loves exploring new customs together, we’re excited to share some of the magic behind the celebrations of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Winter Solstice.

So, grab a comfy seat, snuggle up with your kiddos, and let’s take a tour through the beautiful winter holidays!

Christmas: The Season of Giving and Cheer

When most people think of the winter holidays, Christmas is often the first that comes to mind. Celebrated on December 25th, it’s a time to deck the halls, exchange gifts, and enjoy precious moments with family. For some, it’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. For others, it’s more about the joy of giving, singing carols, and watching little eyes light up when Santa Claus comes to town.

From decorating a Christmas tree to baking cookies, the traditions vary from family to family, but one thing is always the same—Christmas brings out the best in all of us, reminding us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and making time for the ones we love.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Hanukkah is an eight-night celebration full of warmth, light, and resilience. The holiday celebrates a historical event when a group of Jewish people, called the Maccabees, stood up for their right to practice their faith. After reclaiming their temple, they only had enough oil to keep the sacred lamp burning for one day—but miraculously, it lasted for eight days, allowing them time to find more. To honor this miracle, families celebrate by lighting a menorah, adding one candle each night until all eight are glowing brightly.

Kids often love learning about Hanukkah traditions like playing dreidel (a spinning top game) and enjoying delicious treats like crispy latkes (potato pancakes) and sweet sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Along with these fun activities, Hanukkah is also a time for storytelling, singing, and reflecting on themes like hope, perseverance, and the power of standing up for what’s right—reminding us of the strength and spirit that comes from being together as a family.

Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Culture and Community

Kwanzaa is a vibrant, week-long celebration that begins on December 26th, honoring African American culture and heritage. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is centered around seven important principles, including: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith) that help us reflect on the values that build strong families and communities.

Each night, families light a candle on the kinara (a special candle holder) and enjoy activities that encourage sharing stories, expressing creativity, and practicing gratitude. It’s a beautiful way to learn more about history, celebrate cultural pride, and spend quality time together.

Winter Solstice: Welcoming the Return of the Light

From Indigenous tribes in the Americas to Scandinavian families in Norther Europe, and across Asia, Winter Solstice is a special day that marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It usually happens around December 21st, and people all over the world celebrate it in their own ways.  Traditionally, it’s a time to welcome the return of longer days and brighter mornings—something we can all appreciate as winter stretches on!

Families might light candles, enjoy stargazing, or even go on nature walks to celebrate the beauty of this season, and these rituals and celebrations can be deeply spiritual experiences. The Winter Solstice is a wonderful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a little light to look forward to.

Boxing Day: A Day of Giving and Goodwill

Celebrated on December 26th, Boxing Day is a tradition observed in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations. Originally, it was a day when wealthy families would "box up" gifts, money, and leftovers to share with their household staff or those less fortunate. Today, Boxing Day has evolved into a day of relaxation after the busyness of Christmas and watching soccer! Families often spend it visiting friends and loved ones, enjoying leisurely meals, or getting outside for a brisk walk. In many places, it’s also known for huge sales, making it a popular shopping day. But at its heart, Boxing Day remains a celebration of generosity and community spirit, reminding us to spread kindness and think of others during the holiday season.

Let’s Celebrate Together!

While each of these holidays has its own special traditions, they all share a common thread: bringing people together to celebrate love, hope, and the joy of being with those who matter most. Whether your family observes one, two, or all of these holidays, it’s a time to build memories, learn new things, and appreciate the beauty of different cultures and beliefs.

At NIHAO CAC, we’re so grateful to be part of a diverse, vibrant community. We encourage parents to talk with their kids about the meaning behind each holiday and find fun ways to learn about different traditions. Who knows—maybe your family will start a new tradition of its own this year!

So, whether you’re lighting up a tree, a menorah, a kinara, or celebrating the return of the sun, we hope your season is filled with warmth, laughter, and lots of special moments with your little ones. Wishing you and your family a joyful and festive holiday season!