Whether you're saying Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or just Happy Holidays, most people don't quite know what holiday they're celebrating. So here's an explanation of each of these holidays!

Christmas - Christian

The real meaning behind the holiday of Christmas was to celebrate to birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas to Christian's is the day that the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in a manger in Bethlehem. It has been celebrated on December 25 for centuries, even though history shows that Jesus, who is an actual historical figure and not just a person present in the bible, was actually probably born closer to the summer time. Most Christian's celebrate Christmas by going to mass either of Christmas eve or Christmas day, and giving gifts.

Kwanzaa - Pan-African

Kwanzaa is celebrated between December 26 and January 1. It is used to celebrate the first harvest celebrations of Africa. It is used as a time for people to gather and strengthen bonds, give thanks, honor ancestors, recommit to the African Culture, and celebrate the good. It is celebrated not only by the Pan African culture, but also the African American culture

Hanukkah - Jewish

While Hanukkah is spelled in many different ways, in the Jewish faith it has one main meaning. Hanukkah is the eight day celebration that celebrates the reclaiming and rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. When they tried to light the Menorah in the Temple, all that they found was a small amount of olive oil that lasted for eight days, which was a miracle. It is celebrated by lighting a flame on the Menorah each night of Hanukkah, praying, the playing with of the "dreidel", and the giving of gifts to children. This year, Hanukkah is celebrated from sunset December 24 to nightfall January 1.

Christmas to Americans

Christmas to Americans has developed into a holiday in which a fictional creature "Santa Claus" comes into homes and leaves presents, or for those of us who do not believe anymore, a holiday in which people buy each other gifts. The holiday of Christmas has evolved into a holiday in which a jolly fat man in a red suit with a white beard rides his reindeer around the world to deliver presents to children. While many people who celebrate Christmas are not Christian, it has come to represent time spent among family and gifts given amongst friends and family.

While most people celebrate Christmas, even if it's the non Christian version, we should not forget to acknowledge the other holidays that occur around this time of year. Happy Holidays to all!