Holiday Histories

Dec. 25 is the day Christians of all sects all over the world celebrate the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ.

According to Nancy Thornton-McKenzie, the pastor at Main Street’s Millerton Presbyterian Church, her congregation started celebrating Christmas a bit early.

The festivities started with a Christmas concert Dec. 9. In the past month, the pastor has read scripture, both from the Old and New Testaments, that tells of the birth of Jesus.

Additionally, last Sunday, a pageant and a potluck dinner were held at the church.

"They were both delightful. There was great food, fun and music. We were celebrating the specialness of the season with each other," said Thornton McKenzie, who also explained what the holiday means to her. "It means a great deal. We celebrate the birth of who I believe is the savior of the world and of us."

The pastor stressed Christmas should be more about celebrating the birth of Christ and less about festooning a house with colored lights and receiving presents.

"Christmas has nothing to do with presents. God loves us so much ... and we should rejoice at that," she said.

The Millerton Presbyterian Church will hold services on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 7:30 p.m. It can be reached at 518-789-3431

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday steeped in antiquity.

The holiday originated when Judah Maccabee and his followers reclaimed the temple in Modi’in from Syrian King Antiochus IV.

The temple was cleansed and prepared for rededication.

When the temple menorah, or candelabra, was lit, there was only enough oil for one day.

However, according to the story, the oil lasted for eight days.

In remembrance, a candle is lit on each of the eight days of the holiday (it started at sundown on Dec. 15).

In the past, children received gifts of gelt (similar to the coins minted once the Maccabee state was formed) each night.

However, in recent years, those who celebrate the holiday give gifts other than coins.

Most Hanukkah food is fried in oil in remembrance of the menorah oil that lasted for eight days.

"We had a wonderful celebration the first night. We had readings and songs and the place was filled. There was a lot of children. It was great," said Rabbi Hirschel Jaffe of Congregation Beth David’s recognition of the holiday.

Jaffe called the celebration a symbol of "true ecumenicity" because Catholics and a pastor from Connecticut were in attendance.

"We reach out to all people," the rabbi said.

Jaffe explained what the holiday means to him personally.

"It’s the light of hope. It shows that in a dark and confused world, there can be brightness in spite of the gloom. We try to be a beacon of hope for the world," he said.

The congregation can be reached through bethdavid.info or by phone at 845-373-8264.

Although few organizations in the Harlem Valley celebrate Kwanzaa, there are many ways residents can learn about the holiday, which is mostly celebrated by African-Americans.

Kwanzaa is a week-long Pan-African secular holiday which primarily focuses on celebrating African-American heritage.

It is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 each year.

During the seven days of celebration, activities such as candle lighting and the pouring of libations, generally served in a chalice called "Kikombe cha Umojua," take place.

Families who celebrate the holiday usually adorn their households with African cloth and art.

The holiday culminates with a feast and gift giving.

Kwanzaa was founded by Ron Karenga and was first celebrated on Dec. 26, 1966.

For more information on Kwanzaa, visit www.google.com or other Web sites.