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Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago. After the Jewish people reclaimed the Temple from the Seleucid Greeks, they found only a small amount of oil left to light the menorah—enough for just one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was long enough to prepare more purified oil.

To honor this miracle, Jewish families light a menorah for eight nights, adding one candle each evening. The holiday also includes traditions like playing dreidel, giving gifts or coins (“gelt”), and eating foods fried in oil such as latkes and doughnuts.

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25 that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, it has also become a widely observed cultural celebration focused on themes of joy, giving, family, and togetherness. Traditions often include decorating a Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, attending church services, sharing meals, and enjoying festive music and lights. 

 Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It honors African heritage, community, and shared values through the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba): unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Families celebrate by lighting a kinara (candle holder), sharing meals, exchanging meaningful gifts, and participating in activities that strengthen community and cultural pride.