Growing up we celebrated Christmas even though my parents were not religious in any way. None of my extended family was either, really. We celebrated the Christian holidays with family, Jewish holidays with friends, and saw glimpses of other holidays when we visited festivals, or went somewhere else that they were being observed. We were often going to a diverse mix of cultural events. Over time we consolidated our holiday festivities down to really only acknowledging the Pagan aspects of the Christian holidays. A pine tree to symbolize everlasting green and earth, bright and colorful lights to emulate the coming spring, a harvest feast in November (the last fresh and hearty meal before the coming winter), pumpkins (another harvest symbol) and ghosts or skeletons to ward off evil spirits, sickness and depression/evil spirits. Now I’ve can to call Christmas but a punk inspired name, Xmas. I’ll take the community aspects of holidays, I’ll take the beauty, but I’ve come to realize that my versions and traditions greatly differ from most people. And that’s ok.
Tree Hugger always has a bunch of good lists with ideas for homemade holidays. (Here’s another good list from Polly Barks).
On the first day of xmas, my true love gave to me a partridge which is actually a perdrix?
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is a holiday I would like to learn more about.
I did end up making some sugar cookies that I was craving. My new favorite thing is to look up vegan recipes and try them. I usually have everything I need for a vegan recipe. These cookies came out OK, they were soft, which I like but a little cakey and boring tasting. I did substitute cow butter in these as that was what I had so they are not vegan. And I ended up adding some vanilla brown sugar icing and chopped nuts to brighten them up a bit.