Lights of the Season By Debbie Smith

Christmas Christmas is celebrated on December 25 th. Some people hang lights on their houses. Evergreen trees are decorated with lights.

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is celebrated by African Americans. It begins on December 26 th and lasts for a week. People light candles in holders called kanaras.

Hanukkah Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday. It is celebrated for eight days. Each night, the shamash candle is used to light one candle on the menorah.

Ramadan Ramadan is a Muslim holiday. It lasts a month. People decorate their homes with special lanterns made of colorful glass. Children carry lanterns in the street.

Las Posadas Las Posadas is a Mexican holiday. Each night, people hold candles and sing while they walk through their neighborhoods. It is celebrated for nine days.

Diwali Diwali is a Hindu holiday that lasts for five days. It is also called Deepavali. People decorate their homes with lights, oil lamps, and candles.

Think About it! Why do you think lights are used as part of holiday celebrations?

The End *Special thanks to the Nov/Dec, 2008 issue of Weekly Reader for providing the information contained in this program.