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Holiday 2009 Guide

We here at ShopWiki know that this can be a stressful time for everyone: you're getting ready for family visits, doing all that last-minute shopping and decorating, and still trying to carry on with your normal life. However, don't let all the hubbub take away from the true spirit of the holidays--it's all about togetherness and being grateful for what you have.  Below you'll find information on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve, along with links to guides that are designed to make these months as easy as possible.  Whether you're shopping for Christmas ornaments, trying to find a holiday gift for your boss, or buying case after case of champagne for New Year's, we've got the perfect guide to help you out.  Happy Holidays from all of us!

Christmas

Come December 25, it's time to deck the halls with boughs of holly!  Christmas is the annual Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, an event which is often remembered through nativity scenes.  Christmas also ushers in the Christmastide season, which concludes on January 6 with the Feast of the Epiphany,  celebrating the visit of the Magi. At this time of the year, families tend to gather together and celebrate, generally with a large meal, an exchange of gifts, and if everyone has behaved that year, maybe even a visit from Santa Claus. 

There are many different ways to show your spirit: stockings,  Christmas trees  and decorative lights  are easy, fun and festive; and while the thought of cooking a huge feast may be intimidating, it can also be a wonderful chance to get some quality time with friends and family. For more information, check out our extensive Christmas guide and the helpful links below.

Christmas Guides

Christmas Trees

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Christmas Traditions Around the World

Traditional Christmas Dinner
Vegetarian Christmas

Christmas Gifts
Hot Holiday Toys

Christmas Travel Tips

Women's Guide to Holiday Dressing

Men's Guide To Holiday Dressing

Hosting a Christmas Party

Christmas Etiquette

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated in the Jewish faith.  This year it begins at sundown on Friday, December 11, lasting a total of eight nights. This holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, which refers to the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt during the second century BCE.  There was only supposed to be enough olive oil to keep the Temple's eternal flame lit for one night, but the oil instead burned for eight days.

In honor of this miracle, a new candle  on the menorah  is lit each night. In addition, certain foods like latkes  and fruit-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are associated with Hanukkah, and everyone can enjoy a game of dreidel.   For more information, check out the guides below.

Hanukkah Guides

Hanukkah Guide

Hanukkah-Themed Gifts

Hanukkah Ritual Items

Hanukkah Crafts

Holiday Safety

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a holiday first created in 1966 by the African-American scholar and social activist, Ron Karenga. The name Kwanzaa is from the Swahili phrase meaning "first fruits"; this reflects the goal of honoring African-American heritage. Since Karenga perceived Christianity as a predominantly white religion, Kwanzaa was originally meant to be an alternative to Christmas, but this position was amended over time, resulting in a much more incorporating holiday. Today, many families--and not simply African-American families--celebrate Kwanzaa as well as Christmas. Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1, with each of the seven days representing one of the following seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Families decorate the house with representative objects of art, candles are lit, and libations are shared. For more information on the holiday, check out our Kwanzaa Guide, and take a look at the typical ritual items listed below.

Kwanzaa Ritual Items

Mkeka 

Kinara 

Mishumaa Saba 

Kikombe cha Umoja 

Muhindi 

The New Year

3...2...1...Happy New Year!  Every December 31st around the world, friends and families gather to ring in the New Year.  In the United States, New Year's Eve is a major event, involving parties, watching the ball drop, First Night celebrations, Champagne  toasts, and kisses  at midnight.

After everyone stumbles home and gets some rest, New Year's Day is usually observed with a day off from work or school.  While remembering the events of the past year (television channels and newspapers often show retrospectives on noteworthy news happenings), it is traditional to make resolutions, which are also traditionally broken by the first of February.  Hey, it's the thought that counts, right?  Our guides below will help you to make the most of your fresh start.

New Year's Guides

New Year's Eve

New Year's Resolutions

Sparkling Wine

Champagne Glasses

Good Luck Foods for the New Year

External Links