Social Wellbeing: Celebrations for All!
- National Fraternity
- Oct 18, 2018
- 3 min read
The holidays are a fun season for everyone. For many of us, this means traveling to see our loved ones and exchanging gifts. Have you ever wondered how other people celebrate the holidays? During the fall/winter season, there are 13 holidays to be celebrated. You don’t have to go far to see find out how other faiths celebrate their holidays. Below you will find three different favorite holiday traditions!
The Challenge
This holiday season, learn about how others spend their holidays! Research other holiday traditions or spark up a conversation about the holidays with a friend or colleague.
The dictionary defines a tradition as, “the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.” Asking about holiday traditions may be a difficult subject to get someone to open up about, especially if you are not familiar about their religious beliefs. Break the ice by asking to learn this holiday season. I asked some people close to me to share a bit about how they celebrate their most treasured holidays.
Here are some ways that I accomplished asking and learning about holiday traditions outside of my own:
Q: I know Sukkot is coming up. What is it, and what is your favorite memory of this holiday?
A: “Sukkot is a week-long celebration that remembers the years that Jewish people spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and how they were protected from harsh desert conditions. My family is what you would call “reformed” in Judaism. My mother still thought it was important to teach us about different holidays. Sukkot was my favorite holiday because my brothers and I would find anything we could to make a Sukkah ([a temporary structure] with the help of my Dad). Sticks, boxes, bushes...we would decorate it how ever we wanted, and my family would enjoy a nice feast under the Sukkah we made, even if it wasn’t the most reliable”
- Olivia M., Fort Worth, TX
Q: What do you wish people knew about your most celebrated holiday?
A: “I would say that I wish that people knew that my most celebrated holiday, Purpose, means
“feast to break the fast.” The feast is to celebrate the end of Ramadan, which is where Muslims fast from sunup to sundown to honor when the Quaran was revealed to Muhammed. I also wish that people knew that fasting is not terrible at all...I get that question a lot when asked about Ramadan. You just get used to it. I guess looking forward to a three-day feast after fasting is motivation.”
- Akshadha S., Fort Worth TX
Q: What is your favorite family tradition?
A: “The holidays have become less about giving gifts and more about quality time for my family. Growing up, we were all together and had the opportunity to have big family gatherings. Since everyone moved away, when we do get together, we enjoy going to see a holiday play or finding the best Christmas lights in town. At the end of the evening, we all gather up and get a bite of grandma’s delicious banana pudding. I’m not kidding, the layers of whipped cream, pudding and Nilla Wafers together are insanely good whenever my grandma makes it.”
- Vivian H., San Diego CA
Get Together!
Gather together with Sisters for a “Friendsgiving”-- who doesn’t love a potluck and quality time with friends/Sisters. (See our Association's Xi-Giving Gathering Event Here!)
Friendsgiving 101: Find a location that is suitable for the number of people who you are inviting. An ideal place will have room for a small bonfire, if the weather permits and smores are in mind. Start a group chat (if there is a reasonable amount of people) or start a Facebook group with guests. Have everyone list what they are bringing to Friendsgiving - try to make sure there is an even amount of finger foods, main courses, and dessert items. Plan out a few fan-favorite games such as Pictionary, Cards Against Humanity, or Heads Up. Feast. Socialize and enjoy a night with friends.
Invite someone who may not celebrate your holiday to one of your holiday-inspired events. Is there a greater way to spread holiday cheer than welcoming someone into your life during such a celebratory time?!
Report Participation!
Document your participation in A Clear Vision of Life: The Wellbeing Program and be entered to win a Challenge incentive! Click here to let us know you participated in this Challenge.
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