During these festive and joyous seasons, there are many traditions celebrated.

Traditions vary around the world and these seasons are a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and be around those who matter to you. The holiday season does not include just Christmas, instead, it incorporates different festive celebrations from a range of different religions including Chanukah in Judaism, Diwali in Hindu culture, Kwanza in African American culture, Las Posadas in Hispanic culture and Chinese New Year in Chinese culture. These festivals are all celebrated worldwide and include some interesting traditions. 

Christmas

Christmas is widely known and celebrated in the western world as a chance to be around loved ones, give gifts and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The middle of winter has long been a celebration time for countries in Europe even centuries before Jesus was born, the winter solstice gave some a chance to celebrate as it meant the harshness of winter was nearly over and they had warmer weather and sun to look forward to. Interestingly the birth of Jesus wasn’t decided to be celebrated instead Easter was the main holiday until the fourth century when church officials decided to celebrate this holiday, however, his birthdate was not mentioned in the bible so Pope Julius I chose December 25. Christmas is now celebrated by millions of people around the world, both Christians and non-Christians. Christmas can be celebrated in many ways; for example, here in Australia, a typical Christmas day would include a roast lunch or barbeque, the beach or a swim in the pool as well as a classic pavlova all enjoyed under the sweltering sun. But Christmas can look very different for those in the northern hemisphere where winter surrounds their festive season. Canadian children usually celebrate a snowy, white Christmas. They bundle up in their scarves and toques, a Canadian woollen hat, to play in the snow, ice-skate, and toboggan! Some interesting traditions occur in Asia. The Philippines is known for having the world's longest Christmas season. Four months are considered Christmas months: September, October, November, December. Christmas carols can oftentimes be heard as early as the beginning of September. In South Korea, Christmas is a national holiday. It's also known for being a romantic holiday. Many couples go on dates in the city, where streets and stores are trimmed with dazzling lights. Enjoy this Christmas with your loved ones in whatever way you like to celebrate. To find out more about some different Christmas traditions across the world show this fun link to the children in your family.

Chanukah

Chanukah is a major Jewish festival and celebration that occurs on the 25th of Kislev in the Jewish calendar and can occur between November 28th to December 26th. Chanukah goes for 8 days and 8 nights. It celebrates the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem to the Jewish people in 165 B.C.E. Chanukah is celebrated by lighting the menorah an eight branched candelabra, children spin dreidels and enjoy fatty foods full of oil such as jam doughnuts and latkes (delicious potatoes that are fried). Find out more about the history of Chanukah here.

Kwanza

Interestingly the festival Kwanza was created not in Africa but instead in America in 1966 to bring African American communities together. The name Kwanza is derived from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanza in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanza also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31. Kwanza occurs on December 26 and continues until the first of January. Find out more here.

These holidays and holiday traditions provide great chances for you to socialise and connect with loved ones and those around you. Have fun celebrating your holiday traditions this festive season.

If you need help with socialisation and companion care, Right at Home provides companion care services ensuring the right care, right at home.

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones, and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government-approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.