photo credit: Ava Mejia
Columbus is a hub of many things, recently growing in popularity with sports, food and even the holiday scene. With a diverse population, the months of November and December are packed with events, activities, holidays and so much more that fill the city with buzz, chatter and holiday spirit.
For many, the season begins in October, with Diwali and Halloween. With Diwali on Oct. 20, and Halloween on Oct. 31.
“[Diwali is] celebrating the return of lord rama after defeating ravan but its main meaning is good/light overcomes evil/darkness, which is why we light up everything,” senior Ishani Deshpande said.
For different families, the celebrations for Diwali may differ, there are also many local events hosted by different temples in the area.
“In the morning, we decorate the devkhar with flowers and gold and then we do our puja, then we eat the prasad and go to the temple for their puja. Then, we usually go to our friends’ houses for parties and light fireworks,” Deshpande said.
For some, the holiday season, especially around Thanksgiving, is a time to give back and appreciate the community that they’re in.
“My family and I volunteer, primarily at local organizations and at my own non-profit. And for the past few years, it has become a tradition we all look forward to,” Ohio State University freshman Tiffany Mungai said.
Many people use this time of the year as an opportunity to give back to the community in various ways, such as donating to food drives for Thanksgiving dinners, or buying Christmas gifts for families in need.
“Volunteering is crucial, especially during the holiday season, since shelters, food pantries and community centers are always looking for hands to help. Getting involved in some form of volunteering can be a way to give back and connect with your community or other communities around you,” Mungai said.
During the busy beginning of December, the holiday season really starts to gear up.
“Hanukkah is eight days long, and this year it is from Dec. 14-22. Every night of Hanukkah, we light up the Menorah; [starting with] the Shamash [candle, which we use] to light the rest of the candles,” junior Owen Lambermont said.
The candles and oil hold a lot of importance in the celebration of Hanukkah. The holiday is centered on the “miracle of the oil”, and the lights are also direct representations of this religious event.
“Every night of Hanukkah we light the menorah and say the corresponding prayers. Typically, people like to give gifts to each other on each night as well. My family also typically eats Latkes, Jewish Brisket and food that is prepared with oil; my grandfather used to make jelly doughnuts cause they get fried in oil,” Lambermont said.
For others, December means setting up a tree, hanging lights and stockings and getting ready for Christmas. In Columbus, the Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights are a big part of that festive spirit.
“I usually go to the zoo lights every year. It’s really special to me because I’ve been going with my family since I was about 4 or 5,” senior Riley Brooks said. “Now, I really like going with my boyfriend and my friends.”
For others, the spirit of Christmas comes from The Ohio Theater’s annual performance of The Nutcracker.
“When I was younger, my grandma, mom and I would go to the Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater every year. It was a big part of Christmas time for us,” University of North Carolina Wilmington freshman Ren Rader said.
Rounding off the busy month of December, is Kwanzaa, which this year is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
“Kwanzaa, primarily celebrated within the African American community, connects people to their ancestral African roots. We [my family] recount those before us, particularly those from the tribe we originate from and ensure that we remain in touch with our culture. It’s our method of handing over from one generation to the next,” Mungai said.
In Columbus, there aren’t any large celebrations for Kwanzaa, so family gatherings are a major part of the holiday.
“Typically, our festivities include a large family dinner as the centerpiece. However, food is not the only thing; the sing-alongs and laughter,” Mungai said.
No matter what is being celebrated, it is always important to acknowledge and appreciate the vast diversity of cultures and traditions that are showcased in Columbus this time of year.
