Are you ready for
holidays? Who’s holidays are you ready for? If you’ve got global and multicultural clients and friends as I do, here’s a list to help you get it organized.1.Eid al-Fitr (Muslim) – lunar, when new moon is sighted, so around November 25 depending upon location
Eid Al-Fitr, or Celebration of Breaking Fast, marks end of Ramadan, month of fasting. Money is given to poor, and to children, and everyone gets a new set of clothing.
2. Saint Nicholas Day (Christian) -- December 6
Popular for centuries esp. in Northern Europe, celebrating Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop of city of Myra (in what is now Turkey), who was known for his kindness and generosity. Good children receive candies, cookies, apples and nuts, while naughty children receive switches or lumps of coal in their shoes.
3. Bodhi Day (Buddhists) – December 8
aka Rohatsu, celebrates day in 596 BC when Buddha achieved enlightenment.
4. Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexican) -- December 12
One of most important dates on Mexican calendar, dedicated to Mother of all Mexicans.
5. St. Lucia Day (Swedish) -- December 13
Each family awakens a young girl who dresses in a white robe with red ribbon around waist, and wears a crown of candles on her head. She then brings breakfast to family -- sweet buns flavored with saffron. The boys (called star boys) wear long white shirts and pointed hats and help carry sweets. What do you say? God Jul!
6. Hanukkah (Jewish) -- begins December 19
Known also as Festival of Lights, this 8-day, 2,000-year-old holiday celebrates God's glory, an ancient victory of Jews over their enemies, and freedom Jews enjoy today.
