December 2024: Volume 25 - Issue 3 - December Celebrations

 By Wendy Elkis Girnis, Class of '77

Welcome to December.  When we think of this month, we think of snow, celebrations, Santa, lit menorahs, and kinaras. There are many celebrations taking place during this month.  There are also many festivities taking place in and around Hicksville.  By the time this issue has gone to press, a few have passed, but you will know to look for them in the local papers and online next year.

• Sunday, December 8: Bodhi Day (Buddhism) - Also called Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, it commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening — or enlightenment — some 2,600 years ago, becoming the Buddha. It is a day of prayer, meditation, chanting, and reading the scriptures (Sutras).

• Thursday, December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe Day (Christianity) - A Catholic holiday celebrated on December 12th to commemorate the Virgin Mary's appearance to Juan Diego in 1531.
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration was held at St. Bridgid Catholic Church in Westbury on December 9, 10, and 11.  Celebrations were held in English and in Spanish. 85 Post Ave, Westbury, NY 11590 | 516-334-0021

• Monday, December 16 – Tuesday, December 24: Las Posadas (Mexican/Southwestern US Christianity) - A Mexican Christmas tradition that commemorates Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and is celebrated with processions, singing, and piñatas.
  • The nearest Las Posadas celebration is taking place at the Riverhead Free Library on Monday, December 21, 4 – 4:45 pm. Join them for making crafts and listening to stories. No registration is needed. For more information, call 631.727.3228, ext. 120https://patch.com/new-york/riverhead/las-posadas-celebration-0

• Thursday, December 21 – Monday, January 1: Yule (Pagan)- Celebrates the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the rebirth of the sun.
  • Celebrate Yule, with a Solstice Hike on Saturday, December 21, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Hempstead Lake State Park. It will be a 3-mile hike.  Registration is required.  To join us for this event: Register Online  https://parks.ny.gov/events/event.aspx?e=31-41254.0

• Wednesday, December 25: Christmas Day (Christianity)- Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God.
  
  • Santa will be at the Broadway Commons until December 24th- https://atbroadwaycommons.com/events/photos-with-santa/
  • Christmas House Long Island is open at the Broadway Commons- Christmas House Long Island is an indoor, one-of-a-kind, fully immersive Christmas experience!  https://christmashouselongisland.com/
  • See The Nutcracker- a one-hour children’s version at Holy Trinity High School on Sat. Dec. 21, 2024, from 02:00 pm to 03:00 pm. Enjoy a holiday tradition performed by the dancers of The Dance Place. This perfect one-hour narrated version is especially great for kids and families.

• Wednesday, December 25 – Thursday, January 2: Chanukah (Judaism) - Celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a Jewish victory against the Greek-Syrian Empire in the 2nd century BC.
  • Join the Great Neck Chabad for a variety of Hanukkah festivities like ice skating, menorah lighting, latkes, and even a carnival. Check here for details- https://www.chabadgn.com/templates/section_cdo/aid/4554955/jewish/Chanukah.htm 
  • Come to the Hanukkah parade and experience in Merrick on December 25th at 5 pm. Celebrate Hanukkah with the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. Meet at the Merrick LIRR station for the lighting of the 12-foot menorah and other holiday festivities. https://www.chabadjewishlife.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/4541791/jewish/Grand-Menorah-Lighting.htm 
  • The Long Island Children’s Museum in Garden City has its Hanukkah program on December 29th from 1-3 pm.  Learn all about the dreidel. Discover the game’s history and rules, and decorate your own dreidel to take home. https://mommypoppins.com/long-island-kids/event/events/happy-hanukkah-at-licm 

• Thursday, December 26: St. Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) (Christianity) - Commemorates the life of St Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who was known for his service to the poor and his status as the first Christian martyr. This holiday is celebrated by giving to charity, church services, and feasting.

• Thursday, December 26 – Wednesday, January 1: Kwanzaa (Pan-African) - Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage. 
  • A Kwanzaa celebration was marked with engaging activities, discussion, and lively performance in Westbury on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 255 Schenck Avenue. The event was presented in partnership with Westbury Arts. https://www.longislandpress.com/2024/12/06/westbury-celebrates-kwanzaa/ 
  • Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Long Island Children’s Museum on December 27th from 1-3 pm.  Join the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to learn about the rich traditions and meaning behind Kwanzaa while you create festive symbols of this holiday. https://www.licm.org/calendar/event/celebrate-kwanzaa-2024/