Good to Know East Bay Private School Guide and the East Bay Preschool Guide are Now Available!
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he 2021/22 edition of The East Bay Private School Guide and The East Bay Guide to Preschools are fresh off the press and our available on our website. Both give great advice on how to choose a private school or preschool, relative to their subject. Find out when to start your search, criteria to consider, what to look for in a school plus there is a handy timeline for your search so you stay on track with those application deadlines. Available online at www.ParentsPress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
Festival of Lights T
his year the first night of Hanukkah started early on November 28, ending at sundown on December 6. The holiday always begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but never falls on the same day each year on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for “dedication,” is also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of the Maccabees.
Kwanzaa
K
wanzaa is a seven-day festival celebrated in appreciation of Africa-American history, heritage and culture. The term ‘Kwanzaa’ originates from the Swahili expression “matunda ya kwanza,” which means ‘first fruits of the harvest.” The festival is observed from December 26th to January 1st. Each of these seven days honors principles (Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith) which are thought to have been fundamental in promoting strong, productive communities and families in Africa. Kwanzaa became a celebration of culture, community and family. Usually, people celebrate this holiday through musical selections, drumming, libations, discussing the African principle of the day, a reflection on Pan-African colors, feasts, candle lighting rituals, and artistic performances.
Be a Light in the Dark
W
ith all of the holiday festivities happening this month, you’re probably overlooking one offbeat occasion — NATIONAL FLASHLIGHT DAY. It falls on Winter Solstice, December 21, the longest night of the year, and could be a good time to check on your household’s flashlight supply. Make sure batteries are new in the event of a power outage.
6 Parents Press | December 2021
