When I first came to the U.S., I already knew about both kind of Christmas—religious and commercial. I know about the birth of Jesus. I know about Santa Claus. I expect to see ribbons and bows, glitters and gold, fake snow, candy canes, reindeers, angels, red and green things, and nativity scenes (the portrayal of the birth of Jesus with Mary, Joseph, and the three Wise Men).

So…ummm….what the heck is up with the 8-branched candlestick and the blue and white decoration? What is this Kwanzaa holiday that they have a section of cards right next to Christmas cards? And you said we can’t have Christmas tree in our office? What is going on here? I thought America was all about Christmas. I didn’t know at the time that America is also all about diversity.

The fact of the matter is that America is a diverse country, and people are embracing their different cultures and backgrounds more as time goes by. December is no longer just for the Christians are celebrating Christmas, but also for other religion’s holidays.

The blue decoration and the funky-looking candlestick, called “menorah”, is for the Jewish festival of lights “Hanukkah” which usually falls on a week or so before Christmas. On each night of the celebration one extra candle is lit, until all eight are glowing on the last evening. On the opposite end, many African-Americans celebrate “Kwanzaa” after Christmas and into New Year’s Eve. This non-religious holiday was invented in 1996 as a way to reaffirm and strengthen the values of African-American families and communities. The word "Kwanzaa" is an East African word which means "first fruits" and refers to the celebration of the harvest of first crops in traditional African society.

To celebrate the diversity of the holiday season, many public places and businesses are being more sensitive with their decorations. Some places omit the use of any religious references like nativity scenes or angels or menorah, and Santa Claus (he is not really what Christmas is all about). Some places don’t even have a Christmas trees to be sensitive to other holidays that don’t use Christmas trees. The word “Christmas” is replaced by “Holidays”. So, instead of “Merry Christmas”, it’s “Happy Holidays”.

May it be any of the holiday celebrated in the U.S., another main focus is the gift giving. This is not at all a foreign concept to any of us Thais. We are already doing that on New Year’s Eve. Here, you just do it 7 days earlier! I used to write a list out when I was a little girl. A week before Christmas, I stuffed a letter to Santa Claus into a stocking my mom put on the wall next to a Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, I got many of those on the list or something similar, and then some. As I grew up, I was taught that it isn’t proper to ask someone for a gift. When my host mom Bonnie asked me what I wanted for my first American Christmas, I coyly said, “I don’t really want anything in particular. Thank you.” Nonetheless, Bonnie still picked up my wishes from spending time with me, and she took me to see Disney’s Beauty and The Beast—The Musical—with the front row and center seats.

Once entered college, it was time for me to actually shop for others’ presents. It finally dawns on me how frustrating it is to figure out what someone would like for Christmas. You know, things that they would actually use because I know how horrible it feels to have to put away or pass along some gifts because I could never use them. My friend Jen handed me a note one year, a copy of her Christmas wish list. It’s not a demand, but a suggestion as to what I could get her that she would really like. I was happy to ease my shopping stress, and she got exactly what she wanted.

This year would mark my fourth year of my revived tradition of Letter to Santa, and the third year that the letter is on my website for easy access. The letter is not just a list of things, but I throw in my original quirky requests like the half-naked Brad Pitt, a trip around the world, and a one-year supply of sodas. This year I even have the links to the online stores where my prospective Santa’s can easily browse or make purchase. I feel good that I can help someone save energy and money on buying a gift for me that I wouldn’t have to hide in the closet or give to someone else.

I thought that I was well prepared about Christmas when I got here. Boy, how was I wrong! There are so much more traditions I have never known before. Nonetheless, the bottom line is that ‘tis the season to be jolly, to give to others, to be grateful for the gifts, to celebrate love, life, friendship, and family.

So…happy holidays, y’all!

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