The Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is typically a fifteen-day celebration among Chinese people. The holiday marks the start of a new year based on the ancient Chinese calendar, which has existed since the fourteenth century BCE. The calendar was set according to the lunar phases, and thus the exact date changes annually. 

Those celebrating the holiday engage in many different activities and traditions, including decorating the home, enjoying special meals with their families, watching firework displays, and giving gifts and money to children.

Mazzei, M. (2025). Chinese New Year. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

For Christians, Christmas—which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ —is one of the most important and popular religious events of the year. It marks the gift from God described in the New Testament: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son” (John 3:16). 

Over the centuries, Christmas has become a holiday as well as a holy day. For those who celebrate its social aspect, the season involves turkey dinners, presents on Christmas morning, glittering trees, greeting cards, elaborate store window displays, bell-ringing Santa Clauses on street corners, Yule logs, gifts, and more to create the special atmosphere of Christmas. 

Christmas. (2022). Salem Press Encyclopedia

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival also known as the Feast of Dedication and the Festival of Lights, begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month Kislev (November or December) and lasts for eight days.

It originated as a celebration and reminder of the recapture of the Temple from the Syrians in Jerusalem in 165 BC. Today, Jewish people observe Hanukkah by lighting a candle on a menorah each night, until all eight candles are burning. The menorah stands as a symbol of freedom, love of liberty, light of faith, and a willingness to fight for these principles. Additionally, gifts and money are often given to children, and traditional food such as latkes are eaten. 

 Hanukkah. (2024). Salem Press Encyclopedia.

The term “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanzaa, meaning “first fruits of the harvest.” The holiday was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966 as a part of the Black nationalist movement in an attempt to affirm and celebrate African American culture and values.

Kwanzaa celebrations typically include a mat, seven candles, a kinara, a unity cup, and ears of corn. A candle is lit each night, representing a specific Kwanzaa principle. The seven principles focus on community-building, strengthening family relationships, education about Black culture, and African American unity and pride.

Helm, K. M. (2024). Kwanzaa. Salem Press Encyclopedia.