Season's Greetings

It's that time of year again, full of many diverse holiday celebrations including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, and New Year's. This Explore Topic features lists of great books, music, and movies to share and learn about the history of and traditions behind these seasonal and winter holiday celebrations. Browse through web links that not only showcase local seasonal sights and sounds, but also highlight traditions and celebrations throughout the world. Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays from the Free Library of Philadelphia to one and all!

Links

New Year Traditions From Around the World
Many New Year customs that we take for granted actually date from ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with a New Year tradition—or two!
5 Hanukkah Traditions Explained
You may have heard about some of the more obvious Hanukkah Traditions — like the fact that the festivities last for eight days and nights, and that Jews light a special candelabra with nine branches called a menorah. But there's more to Hanukkah than lighting the menorah and getting eight days of presents. Read on to learn more about what Hanukkah traditions mean and what their significance is.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia!
Countdown to 2021 in Philadelphia with fireworks, dancing, toasts, and more!
Chabad's Hanukkah Guide
The ultimate Hanukkah website featuring how-to, insights, stories, history, multimedia audio and video, games, global event directory, and more.
Christmas Traditions Worldwide
History.com helps uncover the origins of Christmas traditions from around the world, like the Yule log, caroling, and how Christmas is celebrated “Down Under.”
Everything You Need To Know About The Winter Solstice
Time to plan a party? The 2021 winter solstice Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 10:59 a.m. EST
Free Library of Philadelphia's Spotify channel
Seasonal streaming sounds abound! Listen to past playlists of holiday music on the Free Library of Philadelphia's Spotify channel.
Google's Santa Tracker and Santa's Village
Google's annual animated Santa's Village mini site is full of free educational games, great for K-12 classroom warm-ups, extension activities, and writing prompts. And make sure to come back on Christmas Eve, December 24, to track Santa's sleigh ride via Google Maps!
Holiday Movie Quiz
Take the E! Online Holiday Movie Quiz and see how well you know (or don't know) these holiday classics.
Krampus
Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic folklore figure described as "half-goat, half-demon", who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts.
Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture
2021 marks the 55th Anniversary of celebrating Kwanza! Visit the Official website for all things Kwanza: a celebration of Family, Community, and Culture.
Macy's Christmas Light Show and Dickens Village
A Philadelphia tradition since 1956! The Christmas Light Show and Wanamaker Organ Concert, plus a stroll through Dickens Village with its animatronic retelling of Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol, is fun for the whole family and a holiday tourist must-see!
Managing Holiday Stress and Depression
Feeling stressed out or depressed this holiday season? Here are 5 tips to help take charge of your body and mind.
Philadelphia's Christmas Village
Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market, located at City Hall. Christmas Village features over 80 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments, and arts & crafts from all over the world, a carousel in the center of City Hall's courtyard, plus free storytimes by Free Library Children's librarians every Wednesday throughout the month of December at 11:00 a.m.
Seven interesting facts about Kwanzaa
Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family, and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage. Here are some interesting facts from PBS that you may not know about this annual celebration!
Survive the Holidays
An helpful (and sometime hilarious) holiday survival guide to help interactions with family, friends, and coworkers.
The Anonymous Publishing of “The Night Before Christmas” and Other Interesting Christmas Staple Origins
Find out the behind the scenes story behind the real author of “The Night Before Christmas”.
The Best Hanukkah Recipes
Food Network helps you ring in the Festival of Lights with braised brisket, crispy latkes, fresh doughnuts, and more Hanukkah food favorites.
The Must-See Holiday Attractions in Greater Philadelphia For 2021
A guide to the most wonderful time of the year in our area!
The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
Learn more about the seven symbols displayed during the Kwanzaa ceremony, representing the seven principles of African culture and community.

Kwanzaa by FreeLibrary

Check out these books and dvds about Kwanzaa, the week-long annual celebration to honor African heritage and culture, culminating in gift-giving and a feast.