A SEASON FOR CELEBRATION!
Thursday, December 1, 2005 — Many cultures and religions around the world have important holidays during the month of December. In Millsberry alone, there are several different holiday celebrations being planned. To learn more about these holidays, head over to the Millsberry Community Center. As you'll see, there are many reasons for the holiday season!
The most widely celebrated December holiday in the United States is Christmas. Alexandra Walsh, a resident of Metro Park, is looking forward to enjoying Christmas with her family and friends: "Every year, we all gather together to decorate the Christmas tree. Then, on Christmas Eve, we hang our stockings and wait for Santa Claus to arrive!"
Millsberry's Jewish citizens celebrate Hanukkah (or Chanukah) in December. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah celebrates a Jewish miracle where a one-day supply of lamp oil burned for eight days. "The menorah (a special branched candlestick) is an important part of the holiday celebration," said David Abrams, a resident of Westridge. "Each night, we light another candle, until on the eighth night, all the candles of the menorah are lit. We also receive a present each night of Hanukkah, and play games with the dreidel to earn prizes like chocolate coins!"
Other Millsberry residents are planning to observe Kwanzaa, which runs from December 26 to January 1 every year. "Kwanzaa is a time for African Americans to think about our heritage and remember what's most important - working together to better ourselves, our communities, and all of humanity," Derek Jones, of Lakeview, told the Gazette. "Kwanzaa's rituals celebrate ideas such as unity and responsibility."
There are many more special holidays that are celebrated throughout the month of December. Be sure to visit the Community Center and learn more about those holidays, as well as the ones mentioned above. You can also celebrate your favorite holiday with great decorations, coming soon from Millsberry downtown stores. Have a happy holiday season!
WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE!
Another person's stuff may just be your treasure in the White Elephant Gift Exchange, which is being run by the Millsberry Community Center. To participate, simply donate one of your unwanted items to receive a gift ticket. When you redeem that ticket, you'll be given a "white elephant" gift. If you don't like that gift, you'll have a few chances to swap it for something else. The fun starts December 8th!