What Holidays Are You Referring to When You Say "Happy Holidays"?

Most of us here in the United States relating to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and when we say "Merry Christmas" to people during the winter season. However, there is a lot more than just these three! You might be surprised at the number of winter holidays celebrated around the world. Below I name a few, but not all, of the celebrations planned for 2010.

9 September is the Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim festival of purification and at the end of Ramadan.

5 November through the ninth Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

16 November is Eid al-Adha, the Muslim festival of sacrifice (Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac ).

1 December to 9th Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights.

6 December is the day of Saint Nicholas, a Christian saint. Many people around the world receive gifts from St. Nick on the day, not Christmas.

8 December is Bodhi Day, Buddhist festival of Siddhartha's enlightenment.

16 December to 25th the crew, Latin America, the celebration of the Holy Family journey to Bethlehem.

21 December, Yule / Winter Solstice, which many cultures to celebrate the beginning of the end of winter.

25 December is Christmas, the Christian celebration of Jesus' birth.

26 December is Kwanzaa, an African-American festival.
It is also Boxing Day or St. Stephen, the Christian feast of giving gifts to serve the people.

6 January is Epiphany / Twelfth Night / 3 Kings Day, a Christian celebration visit to the three wise men. Many children received gifts on this day the three wise men, instead of Santa for Christmas. Epiphany within 12 days of Christmas.

Most holidays can be recognized with a "Happy ____________" where the blank is the name for the holiday. However, here are some other appropriate greeting for use on your friends:

for Eid said, "May every year find you in good health!"
For the winter solstice to say: "Brighter days ahead!"
For Kwanzaa say, "Habari Gani?" Which means "What is news?" in Swahili.
For Epiphany said: "May the light of a wondrous star to guide you always !"

Did you know that there were so many winter holidays? Most cultures celebrate the winter since the beginning of time to get through the dark and cold time of loneliness and depression can set in easily. Most are filled with lights, music, feasting, and spending time with friends and family. I can not imagine a better way to spend the winter! Happy Holidays everyone!