(CA) Press Enterprise: Happy Holy Days

Happy Holy Days


People will decide for themselves whether "Happy Holidays" is a suitable equivalent to "Merry Christmas," but it's worth noting that many cultures and religions have holidays this time of year, and in America, that's as it should be.

Ancient pagans celebrated the solstice centuries before Christ's advent, so winter holidays are a long-standing tradition. Even Christian practices can vary widely. Tomorrow is Christmas in much of the world, though not all -- many Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, using the old Julian calendar.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah, an eight-day festival which this year starts on the evening of Dec. 25... Bodhi Day falls on Dec. 8. It marks the anniversary of Buddha's enlightenment in the sixth century B.C., considered the beginning of Buddhism. Kwanzaa runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It is a modern African-American cultural festival, created in 1966. Pancha Ganapati is another modern festival, established in 1985 for Hindus. It goes from Dec. 21 to 25, honoring the Hindu deity Ganesha. Or there's Festivus on Dec. 23. It's the whimsical faux-holiday popularized in a "Seinfeld" episode, with traditions such as the airing of grievances and feats of strength.

(snip)

Whether your choice involves honoring Christ's birth or wrestling by the Festivus pole, enjoy the season. The original Christmas greeting fits all traditions: peace and goodwill toward men.

Online at: http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/editorials/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_D_op_24_ed_others2.19be7f7b.html

that's the dallas press enterprise of riverside.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

the winter solstice....