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Holidays

by | Dec 18, 2023 | 2023 - 2024

GNB Voc-Tech would like to acknowledge our multicultural student population and wish you all a wonderful Holiday no matter what you celebrate!

HANUKKAH

Creative Jewish holiday Hanukkah background with menorah and spinning tops over chalkboard with hand drawing
The Jewish festival of lights, called Hanukkah, is celebrated around the world today. The inspiration for the holiday dates back thousands of years in what is now Israel.

In 175 BCE persecuted Jews fled and when they returned to their ransacked temple, they found only one jar of oil -just enough for one day. The oil miraculously burned for eight days.

To celebrate the ancient miracle of the oil burning for eight nights, Jews celebrating Hanukkah light a candle holder called a menorah for eight nights. The menorah holds nine candles-one for each night plus a candle called the shamash used to light the other candles.

In 2023, Hanukkah starts of the evening of December 7 and ends on December 15.

CHRISTMAS

space festive xmas gold background holiday dark card frame text bokeh christmas snowflakes decor tree new gift christmas decoration year ornament happy celebration.
The annual holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated in unique ways in different countries. Celebrations of Christmas are commonplace around the world.
Christmas in the United States brings together many customs from other countries and cultures. Around the world, family members help to decorate the tree and home with bright lights, wreaths, candles, holly, mistletoe, and ornaments.
If you’re in Argentina, a Christmas Eve knock at the door might be neighbors arriving to exchange gifts and light fireworks. In Canada, friends disguised in costumes perform silly sketches until you can guess who they are.
In every country, food and family take center stage.

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa candles lighted with golden greeting message.
Celebrated from December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa is a week of festivities honoring African American struggles, culture and heritage.
Kwanzaa was created in 1966, during a time period when African Americans faced unfair treatment. The holiday encourages pride within their communities and is intended to empower African Americans to rediscover and honor their African roots.
Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili and refers to the joy and unity Africans experience when celebrating the harvest season.
The holiday encourages people to honor seven principles:
  1. Unity
  2. Self-determination
  3. Collective work
  4. Sharing
  5. Purpose
  6. Creativity
  7. Faith

YULE / YULETIDE

Christmas decoration with candles, christmas ball, ribbon, fir cone, tree, anice star, cinamon. Wooden Background For Copy Space. Vintage Style
Originally celebrated by the Norse and Scandinavian peoples, Yule is a 12 day Pagan celebration starting on the day of winter Solstice, or a 3 day feast beginning on the eve of the Winter Solstice.
Pagans celebrate the rebirth of the sun through gift exchanges, merriment, and deep spiritual reflection. For Pagans, this is a time of new beginnings, rebirth, transformation, getting rid of unwanted habits, and creativity.
The symbols of Yule are evergreens, the Yule Log, a Yule tree, mistletoe, holly, wreaths, and bells.
In 2023, Yule begins on December 21 and ends on January 1, 2024.

As we approach the holidays, it may be a difficult time – you are not alone.

If you need assistance, please see the guidance office or Ms. Dennis, in room J138.