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It was a cold, bitter and windy night, the Indian Hills band was shivering, and even kids who often are still wearing only t-shirts after most of us have graduated to winter clothing were feeling the cold on Sunday night in Veteran’s Park. It did not stop anyone from keeping vigil for the arrival of Mr. Santa Claus who was en-route in an official motorcade courtesy of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department. Residents who gathered to greet the world renowned ambassador of goodwill were kept entertained by the high school band and choir with song till the flashing lights of the fire truck signaled his arrival.
The official lighting ceremony was kick started by the Public Events chairman Bob Fabrizio and included welcoming statements by both Councilman Di Pentima and Mayor Szabo. The countdown to the lighting ceremony began and a roar of approval rose in the night air as the dark grounds were illuminated in a blaze of color. The jolly statesmen from the North then led local residents in a parade up the hill to the welcoming warmth of Valley Middle School where music and refreshments awaited the chilled crowd.
Mr. Claus eagerly received visits from a long line of admirers while coffee, drinks and cookies were laid out in abundance for adults and children alike. While children waited to meet the visiting dignitary, members of the Public Events committee walked about dispensing candy. Rabbi Kaplan, from the Chabad in Franklin Lakes, was also on hand gifting chocolate gold coins to all the children. This holiday tradition is traced back to the 17th century as a way of honoring Jewish independence after the Maccabeen revolt which, as readers will learn, also coincides with the beginnings of the Hanukkah celebration. Besides the sweets and treats, there was more music with holiday songs; and, a lot of dancing by the youngest residents.
Bob Fabrizio thanking Rabbi Kaplan
The origins of the Chanukah, or Hanukkah, lights is more definitive than that of the Christmas tree. The term Hanukkah can be translated as dedication or consecration, and the holiday marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Israeli Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire. There was only enough consecrated oil to fuel the sacred flame in the Temple for one day; but, miraculously, the oil burned for eight days.”For eight days they celebrated the re-dedication of the altar. Then Judah and his brothers and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the re-dedication…should be observed…every year…for eight days.”, 1 Maccabees.
Christmas honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The accuracy of his actual date of birth is often a subject of debate, but it did become the basis for today’s calendar with regards to the year 2008. The practice of using a tree in celebration of this event most likely began in Germany, although numerous other cultures had used trees and greenery to celebrate life long before the birth of Jesus. The roots of today’s tradition probably began in the Middle-Ages as a 1570 guild reports on the decoration of a small fir for the benefit of children on Christmas day.
This time of year brings about celebrations in other cultures as well. Kwanzaa, created in 1966 as an African-American holiday, is a week-long holiday celebrated throughout the world to honor African heritage; it also incorporates the lighting of candles and gift giving in its celebration. Hindus celebrate, from December 21 through 25, Pancha Ganapati. The festival involves five days of gift-giving, exchanging of cards, feasts, and sweet treats. Whatever tradition, ritual or celebration, the cold dark days of winter certainly invite that special warmth that holidays can offer.
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