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Museum Explorations of Christmas

Local museums are an experiential way to explore the history of New England holiday traditions and how our present customs were influenced by the cultural practices of the past. Whether you’re interested in learning about food traditions from the past, historic decorations or customary festivities, museum exhibitions and demonstrations provide us with tangible examples in their exploration of history and culture.

Category: Hilltown Families, History, Supplement, Video Tags: Christmas, Holiday Customs, Holiday Traditions, Learning Ahead 15, Learning Ahead Seasons Nov Dec, Placemaking, Winter Holidays

Community Celebrations of Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights. For eight days, Jewish families light one more candle of the eight that create the menorah each evening. In Western Massachusetts there are many places to explore the traditions of Hanukkah and Jewish culture through community events and local museums. Bring your family to celebrate while participating and learning about customs of the holiday.

Category: Hilltown Families, Supplement, Video Tags: Hanukkah, Holiday Customs, Holiday Traditions, Jewish Holiday, Learning Ahead 15, Learning Ahead Seasons Nov Dec, Placemaking, Winter Holidays

50 Years of Kwanzaa

In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga established an African American and Pan-African holiday, Kwanzaa, based on traditional African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations. Organized around seven principles (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith), Kwanzaa aims to preserve, continually revitalize, and promote African American culture. A week-long celebration observed from December 26 to January 1. During this time, look for annual community-based celebrations in which to participate.