Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, and Kwanzaa

How do you celebrate the holidays? When preparing for Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, and Kwanzaa, there are more things to consider than decorations, presents, and what to serve. Read about the traditions, customs, and ways to enjoy this holiday season!

Hanukkah (December 14 – 22)

Hanukkah, often called the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday full of traditional foods, games, and gifts. The holiday commemorates the miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the small amount of oil lighting the holy lamp for 8 days. This is celebrated today by lighting the menorah in Jewish and non-Jewish homes.  

On each of the holiday’s eight nights, a candle is added to the menorah after sundown. The shamash, also known as the “helper candle,” is used to light each candle. The first night will have only one candle on the menorah, along with the shamash, which is set apart or displayed at a different height so as to not be considered one of the eight sacred candles. The second night, another candle will be lit, and so on throughout the eight nights. The menorah is displayed on a holiday table or prominently in a window to share the miracle that inspired the holiday with the world. 

Another key tradition of the holiday is the giving and receiving of gifts on each of the eight nights. Families and friends gather during this holiday for feasts, parties, and services. Traditional foods that are served include latkes (potato pancakes) and jam-filled donuts cooked in oil to further commemorate the blessing of the oil, as well as kosher meats and cheeses.  One Hanukkah tradition includes playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels, which are painted with Hebrew letters on each side. 

To throw a beautiful Hanukkah party, gather blue and white decorations, as well as gold coins. Light a menorah together with your family or guests and recount the stories of past celebrations. Spin the dreidel and pass out chocolate coins. Serve kosher foods on lovely blue dishes, and wish one another a Happy Hanukkah!

Flowers to Send

Messages to Include

“May the lights of Hanukkah fill your home with warmth and joy.”

“Wishing you blessings of love, peace, and laughter this Hanukkah.”

“May this Festival of Lights bring you health, happiness, and cherished memories.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas, one of the most beloved holidays of the year, is a time filled with joy, family gatherings, and meaningful traditions. Homes are decorated with glowing lights, evergreen wreaths or garland, stockings over the fireplace, ornaments from years past, and, at the heart of it all, the Christmas tree. Families exchange presents, often saving the most special ones for Christmas morning when loved ones gather around the tree. The spirit of generosity extends beyond the home as many share with those in need during the holiday season.

Religiously celebrated by Christians around the world, the holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Churches often hold special services or events to celebrate the Christmas season. Christmas has also become a season of giving, reflection, and togetherness for people of many backgrounds and beliefs. 

The Christmas season is full of traditions that involve the whole family. Children leave out cookies and milk for Santa Claus, families watch movies in matching pajamas on Christmas Eve, eager decorators play music while trimming the tree, and friends gather to make gingerbread houses. Many workplaces or friend groups participate in a holiday gift exchange and have parties to celebrate the season. Attending parades, going caroling, watching festive movies, and driving around to look at Christmas lights on neighbors’ houses really add to the holiday magic! 

To host a beautiful Christmas celebration, decorate your home with red, green, and gold accents. Set a festive table with delicious foods, candles, and evergreens. Throw a lovely cocktail hour or a Secret Santa party to enjoy the cheerfulness of the season!

Flowers to Send

Messages to Include

“May your heart be light, your spirits be bright, and your Christmas be merry and full of delight.”

“Wishing you joy and peace.”

“Have a holly jolly Christmas!”

Boxing Day (December 26)

Boxing Day, celebrated in Canada and many of the Commonwealth countries around the world, is a unique blend of old traditions and modern festivities. Celebrated the day after Christmas, it marks the second day of Christmastide. The holiday originated in the United Kingdom, where it began as a day for employers to give “Christmas boxes” made of small gifts, money, or leftover food to their employees who had worked on Christmas Day. This gesture of gratitude and generosity gave the day its name and spirit.

Today, Boxing Day has taken on a more relaxed and commercial tone, as it’s now known for post-Christmas sales and major sporting events. Families and friends gather to enjoy leftovers from Christmas dinner and lounge in cozy settings. Some celebrate Boxing Day in its original focus of giving to those in need by delivering presents to those less fortunate. 

To celebrate Boxing Day in modern style, spend the day with loved ones, share good food, and indulge in some leisurely shopping or a favorite sporting event. Whether you’re honoring old traditions or creating new ones, Boxing Day offers a moment to relax, reflect, and extend the spirit of generosity just a little longer!

Flowers to Send

Messages to Include

“Happy Boxing Day! May you bring peace to all those around you.”

“This Boxing Day, stay rooted in joy and gratitude, and your optimism will surely be contagious!”

“May the glow of the Christmas tree and the company of loved ones warm your heart this Boxing Day.”

Kwanzaa (December 29 – January 1)

Kwanzaa is a vibrant week-long celebration of African and African American heritage, culture, and community. Observed from December 26 to January 1, the holiday centers around honoring African traditions and values through the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of these guiding principles, offering families and communities a chance to reflect on how they can strengthen themselves and one another.

During the week of Kwanzaa, families gather to share meals, honor their ancestors, and celebrate cultural pride. Homes are filled with music, laughter, and meaningful conversation as participants reaffirm their connections to both heritage and community. The Karamu feast of traditional African-inspired dishes, often held on December 31, is a highlight of the celebration.

The Kwanzaa table is beautifully arranged with meaningful symbols: the Kinara, a candle holder that represents the roots of African heritage; the Mkeka, a woven mat symbolizing history and foundation; Muhindi, ears of corn representing children and the future; Mazao, fruits and crops that honor the harvest and hard work; and Zawadi, the gifts exchanged on the final day.

Gifts given during Kwanzaa emphasize creativity, education, and personal growth rather than material goods. This means handmade items are exchanged in the form of books, art, family heirlooms, and cultural keepsakes. This tradition reinforces the emphasis on purpose and community, which in turn inspires the children and adults to carry these values throughout the year. 

To celebrate Kwanzaa, decorate your table with the seven candles of the Kinara, which include three red, three green, and one black. Light the candles on successive nights to honor the holiday’s duration. Gather with loved ones for meals filled with intention, gratitude, and unity. Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate this beautiful holiday!

Messages to Include

“Habari Gani! Wishing you a blessed Kwanzaa.”

“Thinking of you during Kwanzaa and sending happy wishes your way!”

“May this Kwanzaa be an especially meaningful one for your whole beautiful family.”

In conclusion

Though people all over the world commemorate this holiday season differently, each of these thoughtful celebrations brings joy, laughter, and hope. Gather with your loved ones this season and share in traditional food, conversation, games, religious services, and gifts. Happy Holidays!

All photos are included from Pinterest and linked to the original post.