Hopefully treating others with respect is something that most of us grasped well before adulthood. Nonetheless, this season is a time to not only celebrate the holiday that we most closely associate with, but also to extend that interest beyond our typical cultural borders. College is more or less a microcosm of society at large. While a student on this campus, we should embrace opportunities allowed us to see how other faiths and cultures celebrate their traditions, and the histories behind the celebration of holidays with which we're unfamiliar.
Consider going to the service of a religion you don't usually practice. If you're Catholic, go to Hillel just to observe. Hillel is actually having a Hanukkah Hoedown Party this Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Graduate Life Center, which those interested should attend.
Additionally, the Black Student Alliance is holding its annual Kwanza Celebration in Haymarket Theater in the Squires Student Center at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow evening. It's free to attend. Kwanza is a worldwide, weeklong celebration which honors African heritage. With such a predominance of Christianity and the traditions and customs that go along with it on our campus, expanding our understanding of other traditions only gives us more excuses to celebrate.
No one is asking you to give up your beliefs or convictions, but learning about other people and their religious or cultural celebrations is important in educating yourself and becoming a more well-rounded person.
You might be interested in... cultures, religions, holiday season
