As the holiday season approaches, the Great Bend Tribune extends warm wishes to all in the Golden Belt and beyond, promoting a spirit of togetherness and celebration. The newspaper will not publish on Christmas Day, December 25, or New Year’s Day, January 1, allowing staff members to spend quality time with their families, and encouraging readers to do the same. The next edition will be released on Saturday, December 27, featuring a Year in Review that reflects on local achievements and community highlights.
This time of year is marked by a variety of holidays, each celebrated by different cultures and traditions. The Tribune emphasizes that the phrase “Happy Holidays” should be embraced as a respectful acknowledgment of this diversity. December 26 marks the beginning of Kwanzaa, while Hanukkah concluded on December 15, celebrating themes of light and resilience.
Understanding Diverse Celebrations
The holiday season encompasses numerous observances. December 21 marks Yule, coinciding with the Winter Solstice—the shortest day of the year—symbolizing renewal and the gradual return of longer days. Various cultural festivities occur throughout December, including Zarathosht Diso on December 26, celebrated by Zoroastrians, and Bodhi Day on December 8, which commemorates the Buddha’s enlightenment.
Christmas, observed by approximately 2.6 billion Christians globally, is at the heart of the holiday season for many. The tradition includes the Twelve Days of Christmas, which begins on December 25. Each day is associated with specific gifts that symbolize various religious teachings. For instance, the first day signifies a partridge in a pear tree, representing Jesus Christ. The gifts progress through the days, culminating in the twelfth day, which highlights the Twelve Points of the Apostles’ Creed.
The season also encourages reflection on freedoms and rights. December 15 marks the anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791, which guarantees essential freedoms, including the right to celebrate any holiday or none at all. This foundational principle underscores the importance of tolerance and respect for diverse traditions.
A Message of Peace
The newspaper draws attention to the song “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono, which conveys a powerful message of peace. Released in 1971 during their active participation in anti-war movements, the song calls for unity and an end to conflict. The couple famously displayed the message “WAR IS OVER! If You Want It – Happy Christmas from John & Yoko” in major cities, emphasizing the potential for a peaceful celebration.
The Great Bend Tribune encourages all to embrace the spirit of the season, regardless of which holidays they choose to observe. With a focus on goodwill and community, the newspaper invites readers to celebrate the warmth and joy that this time of year brings, irrespective of individual beliefs or traditions.
As the festive period unfolds, may your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of hope. The Great Bend Tribune expresses gratitude for being part of the community’s lives throughout the year. For further inquiries or contributions, contact Susan Thacker, editor of the Great Bend Tribune, at [email protected].
