When I was a kid we celebrated Christmas with family friends. They came over to our home for Diwali and we to their home for Christmas. I also attended a catholic school and we celebrated Jesus Christ and enjoyed nativity plays. This was in Calcutta, India.
When we immigrated to the United States, our traditions changed a bit, but we continued to celebrate both Diwali and Christmas with family and friends. We had friends who celebrated Eid and Hanukkah and we celebrated along with them.
My husband and his family are Celtic. We have continued the tradition of celebrating Diwali and Christmas. We have also in recent years celebrated Hannukah because part of our larger family is Jewish.
So for us, ‘happy holidays’ start sometime in October and seem to continue to the end of December. We feel blessed to live among and be a part of diverse family. We are grateful for this life experience of having faith in our deep rooted traditions and comfortably belonging in each other’s beliefs. Practicing loving kindness towards all has been a natural inclusion.
At the root of all the holidays we recognize the true spirit of peace, happiness, love, kindness and wishes for everyone’s well-being.
Wishing everyone a harmonious Christmas today.
Namaste,
Shobhna
This post warmed my heart. Your family sounds wonderful, Shobhna. What an example to us all—celebrate our diversity and differences! Let there be peace on Earth…Merry Everything to you!
Thank you Cheryl. So sweet of you. Wishing for peace on earth too. Merry Christmas to you and yours. ♡
It feels so good to say Happy Holidays with real meaning, instead of a bland politically correct expression. Thank you Shobhna 💕🙏🎄
So true Val. Merry Christmas to you and your family. ♡
wishing you joy
in all those celebrations, Shobhna!
it’s a wonderful moment
to be grateful, david 🙂
Thank you for the joyful wishes David. Wishing you joy, peace, and hope this Christmas. ♡
Thank you. And to you.
Beautiful thoughts, beautiful words Shobhna 🙂 Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you too Beth. ♡
Such wonderful thoughts, Shobhna. Merry Christmas to you and to your family too.
Wish you a happy new year Shobhna ji.
Happy New Year to you too!
Beautiful traditions of honoring diversity. We are all richer when we can enjoy each other’s celebrations. Happy New Year Shobhna. ❤
Thanks Diana. Happy New Year to you too ♡