Celebrating Christmas Twice!
@cmoneyspinner (9221)
Austin, Texas
December 23, 2015 10:04pm CST
Grew up in Miami, Florida. When Fidel Castro came to power, many Cubans came to live in my hometown. Some people complained (much in the same way most people complain about refugees coming from anywhere!). My reaction to these newcomers was very positive. They had “flavor”. They had good food, good music, and were cool to hang out with. But here is the best fun!
Cubans celebrate Christmas on December 24th.
Most other Americans celebrate on December 25th.
YAY! I got to celebrate twice! 
- Once with my Cuban friends. 
- Then again with everybody else!
What day does your country celebrate this Christmas?
Or … if your country (or you) don't celebrate, do you do anything special or traditional during the last 2 weeks of the year?
- Once with my Cuban friends.
- Then again with everybody else!
What day does your country celebrate this Christmas?
Or … if your country (or you) don't celebrate, do you do anything special or traditional during the last 2 weeks of the year?4 people like this
4 responses
@bharat_redgage (28)
• Delhi, India
24 Dec 15
I never knew that Cubans celebrate Christmas on 24th of December. Interesting. As far as Christmas celebration is concerned, I follow Hinduism and we don't celebrate Christmas, but festival of Christmas is celebrated very well in many parts of the country, especially in the coastal regions where population of Christians are high.
There was nothing special in the last two weeks, but we did celebrated festival of lights " Diwali" in the month of October. For Hindus, it is as important and grand as Christmas. Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and Diwali marks the return of King Lord Rama from the exile after fourteen years, after killing Demon king Ravana. That's also kind of Re-birth.
2 people like this
@cmoneyspinner (9221)
• Austin, Texas
24 Dec 15
Yes! I did notice that many were celebrating Diwali. I knew there were pretty lights as a part of the celebration just like for Christmas. Thanks for commenting.
1 person likes this
@bharat_redgage (28)
• Delhi, India
25 Dec 15
@cmoneyspinner The story behind "Lights" is that Lord Rama returned from exile on the night of "No moon" and there was darkness all around. Villagers started lightening lamps to show them the way and so that they can reach their palace without any trouble and lamps also signifies celebration. In modern world, lights are used for the decoration purpose and for celebration, but lamps are also used.
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9221)
• Austin, Texas
26 Dec 15
@bharat_redgage - Lights are just a beautiful thing, aren't they? I love lights.
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
24 Dec 15
How interesting to learn that Cubans celebrate Christmas on Dec. 24th instead of the 25th but I think now it is celebrated on Dec. 25th? That would have been extra special to celebrate Christmas twice. Twice then I say Merry Christmas to you.
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9221)
• Austin, Texas
26 Dec 15
Twice back at ya!
In addition, when when I visited my husband's parents in The Bahamas back in the 70s, I learned about Boxing Day which is a Christmas-related celebration that happens AFTER Christmas.
My late father was also from The Bahamas but became a US citizen and since Americans don't celebrate this day, he never mentioned it when I was growing up so I didn't find out about it until my husband who is also from the same country took me to meet his mom and dad.
We celebrated Christmas, the 25th, together and when I woke up the next day, the 26th, I heard all this joyful sounds outside which confused me and I'm like: "What's going on?" My husband's father goes "It's Boxing Day!"
In addition, when when I visited my husband's parents in The Bahamas back in the 70s, I learned about Boxing Day which is a Christmas-related celebration that happens AFTER Christmas.
My late father was also from The Bahamas but became a US citizen and since Americans don't celebrate this day, he never mentioned it when I was growing up so I didn't find out about it until my husband who is also from the same country took me to meet his mom and dad.
We celebrated Christmas, the 25th, together and when I woke up the next day, the 26th, I heard all this joyful sounds outside which confused me and I'm like: "What's going on?" My husband's father goes "It's Boxing Day!"
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search "Christmas box" redirects here. For the genus of shrubs, see Sarcococca. For other uses, see Boxing Day (disambiguation). Boxing Day Observed by Commonwealth nations Type Public holiday Date
@HebrewGreekStudies (1646)
• Canada
26 Dec 15
Vocationally speaking, I tend to be around it being done twice-that is, the common date, and Orthodox Christmas:)
1 person likes this
@cmoneyspinner (9221)
• Austin, Texas
26 Dec 15
Had to go look up for Orthodox Christmas. You learned me sumthin'. Thanks!
Many Orthodox Christians in the United States celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7 in the Gregorian calendar. This date works to be December 25 in the Julian calendar, which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar. It is a time to celebrate the birth of J
1 person likes this
