In the comfort of their home, Victoria Harman’s family brings to life their candles during the darkness

of winter. In the flickering lights of the candles, her family recites the threads of their history through words, through prayers.

Across Bristol, April Trivett sets the table, placing candles and preparing food for the large feast she is about to host. As she carefully arranges assortments of decorations and refreshments for her guests, she feels hopeful and excited for the new season ahead.

At the same time, Kim Kirk drives around the snowy city of Bristol, purchasing presents and writing cards for her loved ones. In the bundle of shoppers she finds herself among, she knows they all have something in common: holiday spirit.

Harman, Trivett, and Kirk represent just three of the many unique approaches to the holiday season. Whether it be Hanukkah, winter solstice, Christmas, Kwanza or a general attitude of generosity, December holidays bring people together through their special family traditions.

HANUKKAH

Junior Victoria Harman celebrates the holiday season with beloved traditions. Harman celebrates Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” which falls on a different date each year; this year, it starts on Dec. 25th and lasts until Jan. 2nd, 2025. The holiday honors the Jewish victory in the Maccabean revolt, the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days rather than one day.

“Some families, mine does, give gifts for each and every day. It might be one gift a day or it might be five,” Harman said.

Like the oil lasting for eight days, Hanukkah is an eight-day process. For each of the days, Jewish families will light the Shamash, the center candle of the Menorah, and will use that to light one candle every night of Hanukkah. Additionally, as Harman said, some families give presents in a manner that is similar to Christmas presents.

Food is also another noteworthy mention, especially during the holidays. Hanukkah involves lots of food, and many are fried to represent the oil in the miracle, such as jelly donuts called sufganiyah— which is Harman’s favorite. Additionally, as it is a religious holiday, actively participating in religious customs is essential.

“My favorite part of the celebration is going to Shul, Jewish church essentially … the services are amazing … and it’s like every Jewish person around [makes you feel] like you’re a part of one big family, and it is surreal,” said Harman.

During the holiday, families participate in various traditions, such as contributing to tzedakah, a small bowl for collecting coins to donate to charity. Another popular activity is playing dreidel, a game with a four-sided top that determines if players win or lose tokens, either as coins or candy, with the goal of collecting as many of them as possible.

Many Jews may also eat Chinese food at least once during Hanukkah, a tradition that emerged because Chinese restaurants were often the only dining options available due to the holiday often landing near Christmas.

A plethora of emotions can come from the holiday season, and it is important to acknowledge that it’s okay to feel contrasting emotions.

“I feel pretty lonely and a bit sad during this time too, even when it’s such a joyful holiday. Jewish people are only like 2% of the population, [so] it’s easy to feel misunderstood and alone… it feels a little excluding at times,” said Harman.

Regardless of these feelings, Hanukkah as a whole may unify differing traditions, foods, and feelings for people around the world and commemorate the history of the Jewish people.

“It’s a very happy holiday, and … as a Jew, there are happy holidays and sad holidays. This is one of the happy ones and during this time I feel super grateful and close to God,” said Harman.

WINTER SOLSTICE

However, For Tennessee Online Public School—or TOPS—English teacher April Trivett, the holiday season isn’t centered on religion. On December 21st this year, celebrations of the shortest day of the year, also known as winter solstice, will commence.

The winter solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years, with many origins, such as Paganism, Wicca, and Christianity—but that’s not why Trivett celebrates it.

Winter solstice represents a tie to Trivett’s community and the world she lives in. “It’s about being in tune with nature,” said Trivett.

She typically invites her closest friends and family to her solstice gatherings, using a stick for the traditional yule log. Fire plays a huge role in the winter solstice event, as it represents new beginnings.

The winter solstice typically inspires hope in all who celebrate. The days can only extend afterward, making it a symbol of perseverance to the ancient civilizations and modern individuals who celebrate it.
Trivett’s gatherings involve many candles and a bonfire. The guests eat a potluck style dinner and write affirmations, which later get burned or buried.

“People can write down their hopes for the new year or things that give them strength to get through the winter,” she said. “They can memorialize the kind of light they want to invite in their lives.”

CHRISTMAS

For some, the light they want in their lives is a good sense of humor. Principal Kim Kirk, who celebrates Christmas, enjoys a surprising tradition with her family: a love of pranks. Whenever her family is together during the holidays, she always expects a crazy elaborate prank to lighten everyone’s spirits.

“One year we all dressed up in crazy outfits and went caroling in the neighborhood on Christmas Eve, just to be silly because none of us can sing,” said Kirk.

Kirk holds her family close to her heart on the holiday and enjoys any activity that allows her to spend quality time with them.

“We go to my mom’s house for extended family on Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, we celebrate together, and then we go to my husband’s family later in the day,” said Kirk.

For Kirk, Christmas is more than twinkling lights wrapped around a tree, or inflatable snowmen in the front yard and a single day of celebration. It’s a time to cherish loved ones, embrace laughter and kindled memories, and continue the traditions that bring her family closer each year.

Like the 85% of Americans who celebrate Christmas, Kirk associates the holiday with family. Additionally, some celebrate the religious significance of the holiday by remembering the birth of Jesus. Most commemorate Christmas by showering loved ones with gifts.

Whether by attending their local church services to singing carols in funny attire, Christmas traditions are as varied as the families that celebrate them.

The same is true of Hanukkah, winter solstice, and Christmas: while similarities exist between homes, each tradition is created anew by the people who show up and make time for each other. Just as Harman lights a candle, Trivett lights the yule log, and Kirk sparks a sense of humor with her family, laughter, smiles, and hope brings each of them together.

Through these individuals the spirit of generosity and the meaning of the holiday season are evident. Whether it be sitting down with family and enjoying a meal, or attending church services, everyone can enjoy the holiday spirit.

Harman, Trivett, and Kirk are only one of many in our communities that may celebrate the holidays with their own extraordinary traditions. They serve as a piece of our community that illustrate the festive spirit in all forms. Whether it be celebrating Hanukkah, the winter solstice, or Christmas, they all have one thing in common: coming together to celebrate hope.