Christmas is right around the corner, but the saying “Happy Holidays” does not only apply to one holiday. Many know about Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration in the Jewish religion, but another holiday—Kwanzaa—is lesser known, but also widely celebrated across the globe as well as in this community.

Hanukkah, sometimes spelled Chanukah, is the “Jewish Festival of Lights” and commemorates an event 2,500 years ago when the Maccabees won Jerusalem back from the Syrians. To honor God after their victory, the Maccabees lit a menorah with a small jar of oil that should have only lasted one day, but miraculously, it lasted eight. This year, Hanukkah begins on December 24^th and ends on January 1^st, so if you celebrate Christmas, remember to wish your Jewish friends a happy Hanukkah on Christmas Eve.

In actuality, Hanukkah isn’t considered a “major” holiday in the Jewish religion, although many are unaware of this.

“The only reason it has grown in popularity is its proximity to Christmas,” junior Lindsay Gassman said.

Kwanzaa is also celebrated in the winter months, a seven-day celebration of African culture. Kwanza, derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” (meaning “fresh fruits”), is celebrated in all different ways depending on the family, but traditional celebrations often include singing and dancing. During the holiday, families gather to discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa which play into reinforcing community among African-Americans.

The winter months of the year are always a time of celebration, with the biggest Christian holiday just around the corner. But other holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are also celebrated and recognized within the Winter Springs community.