Jack Frost nipping at your nose – or this week, little ice pellets hitting you in the face – lights all around, illuminated trees filling windows around town and long lines and incessant carols from the 1980s at any store you may visit.
That means the time for the holidays has come, and most of those things mean one holiday in particular – Christmas.
During the holiday season, as during much of the year, it can be easy to be single minded. However, a great value lies in exploring differences.
We call it “the holiday season” for a reason. More than one holiday exists, and it seems people too frequently focus on the Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth.
Though some may argue, no harm is done in being openly cheery about Christmas. To be politically correct isn’t to deny certain holidays exist but rather to acknowledge all the holidays exist.
Within the American culture and religious environment is a wide range of beliefs ranging from what some would call extremists to the completely apathetic or from Catholic to Agnostic to Jewish to Muslim.
Though the holidays of the winter months differ between cultures and religions, the point is to celebrate those particular characteristics.
As part of a society that promotes understanding, and as members of a liberal arts community, it should be a commitment and an obligation to explore the various celebrations that take place during this season, whether they be a festival of lights or a celebration of African cultures. The season is not only about celebrating but also about learning.