1. Tis the SeasonTis the Season Katherine Delesalle Hamilton College Clinton, NY

2. Yule A winter festival that celebrates the winter solstice (December 21 st ) Initially celebrated by the historical Germanic people as a pagan religious festival Began the tradition of burning a Yule log in the hearth during the holiday season People would go Wassailing Walk from house to house singing songs, similar to the Christmas caroling performed today Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule

3. Hanukkah Also known as the Festival of Lights is an eight- day Jewish holiday Commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Observed by lighting the candles of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah – One additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah

4. Christmas Observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift- giving, music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, and a special meal People often display various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly. Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

5. Kwanzaa A week long celebration held in the United States honoring universal African-American heritage and culture Observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. It features activities such as lighting a candle holder with seven candles, and culminates in a feast and gift giving. It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–1967. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

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