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Holiday Happenings
by Wendy Elkis Girnis
Class of 1977
Welcome to the Holiday Season. When we think of December, we think of snow, celebrations, Santa, lit menorahs, and kinaras. There are many holidays taking place. There are also many festivities and celebrations taking place in and around Hicksville. Let’s mark down some of these in our calendars.
December Celebrations
- Monday, 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).
- Contact local Buddhist centers on Long Island for a list of events
- Friday, 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.
- Check with your local Catholic Church for special events.
- Tuesday, December 16 – Wednesday, 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.
- For activities, check out this website: https://www.twinkl.com/event/las-posadas-usa-2025
- Sunday, 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
- Contact your local state or county parks for a listing of times and places.
- Thursday, 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/
- Sunday, December 14– Monday, December 22: 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.
- Check out some family-friendly events here: https://www.newyorkfamily.com/family-friendly-hanukkah-events-long-island/
- Friday, 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.
- Check with British or Caribbean cultural centers for any upcoming events.
- Friday, December 26 – Thursday, January 1: Kwanzaa (Pan-African) - Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage.
- Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City, December 30, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
- Learn about the holiday's meaning and traditions, make a mkeka (traditional mat) craft, and a beaded ear of corn https://www.licm.org/calendar/event/celebrate-kwanzaa-2025/
- Tuesday, January 6 : Three Kings Day (Epiphany) - Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, is an important holiday for Catholics. In addition to gift-giving, there is also a holiday dessert known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake). Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day), which occurs each year on February 2.
