It’s the time of year for the lights to go up, the dreidels to spin, the confetti to fly and the cultural heritage festivities to take place. During the winter months there are various holidays to celebrate such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. To some, these celebrations are the highlight of the year.

“Christmas is a huge deal to my family and I because of our religion,” sophomore Marisa Valenzuela said. “We celebrate Jesus’ birthday together with lots of food and gifts. My favorite part of Christmas day is eating egg rolls at my grandparent’s house.”

People from all over the world take part in the cheerful events and festivities of Christmas. Opening gifts on Christmas morning and spending the weeks prior decorating their homes, is just part of the fun.

“We decorate the front of our house with strings of multi-colored lights, a big inflatable Santa and other small decorations,” Valenzuela said. “It’s great to be around family exchanging gifts and enjoying the day.”

Another winter holiday is Hanukkah, and coincidentally, this year the first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Eve. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday also known as the “Festival of Lights.” It’s eight nights of gift giving and celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

“My family and I gather around the kitchen table to light the menorahs each night,” sophomore Ilana Williams said. “We have two menorahs that my sister and I place candles in, and then we sing the prayers and my family’s traditional song, Oh Hanukkah.”

A menorah is the most important symbol of Hanukkah, and it is lit every night for the prayers. After lighting the menorah, Jewish families open gifts and celebrate together.

“We always spend plenty of time laughing and enjoying the night together,” Williams said. “Opening gifts and seeing everyone so happy is my favorite part of the holiday. That, and eating Latkes.”

Kwanzaa is another winter holiday that is all about celebration. This event highlights the African American cultural heritage, and those who participate observe the special event with feasts and gifts. The week is spent remembering seven core principles which include unity, self-determination, working together, support, purpose, creativity and faith.

Then, a final winter holiday which people celebrate around the world occurs Dec. 31. New Year’s Eve is typically a celebration to welcome in the new year, and frequently includes lots of balloons, confetti, noisemakers, family and friends and watching the ball drop in New York.

“Every year we have those obnoxious noisemakers and lots of confetti everywhere,” sophomore Isabella Adkisson said. “I love the party and watching all of the performances on TV before the ball drops. It’s very exciting. It’s the perfect way end to the holidays and celebrate before we go back to school.”