by Sahana C.

As the dark days at the end of the year approach, we look to holidays and gatherings to bring us together with loved ones. Across the world, there are traditions for people to come together in warm places, with good food, to celebrate being sheltered from the cold. We often see a lot about Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa in the media, but winter holidays extend beyond those, from the Festival of Lights to Solstice celebrations. The dark months are a great time to come together, reflect, and curl up with a good book.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrated predominantly in India, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. And around the time of the winter solstice, many cultures have festivals that celebrate the return of the sun and the gradual lengthening of days. Yule, or Midwinter, is an ancient pagan festival observed by Germanic peoples. It involves decorating with evergreens, burning a Yule log, and feasting. The winter solstice also marks the beginning of Bodhi Day for Buddhists, commemorating the enlightenment of Buddha under the Bodhi tree.

Not everything during the dark days is warm however; if you’re looking for a scary story to keep you tucked warm underneath your sheets, explore the stories of Krampusnacht, celebrated on December 5 in the Alpine regions of Europe. Krampus is a horned, demonic figure who accompanies St. Nicholas, punishing misbehaving children in contrast to St. Nick’s rewarding of the good. Explore our collection of folklore and mythology books to learn more about this captivating figure.

Whether you’re indulging in festive treats, or simply enjoying the cozy company of loved ones, the winter holidays offer a chance to embrace the darkness and find the light within. Visit your local branch to explore books, films, and resources that delve deeper into these rich cultural traditions and tell your local librarians about your own favorite winter holidays, as we keep each other in the light this year.

How to Wrap (Almost) Anything
For ages 10+ and adults. Learn more at bit.ly/wrap_anything
Learn how to wrap gifts of varying shapes and sizes this holiday season. All materials (including wrapping paper and boxes to practice on) are provided, and you are also welcome to bring your own.
Tue, Dec 3 from 7 – 8 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch
Sat, Dec 21 from 11 am – 12 pm at HCLS Glenwood Branch

Jan Brett’s The Mitten: Story and Dramatic Play
Ages 5 – 8. Ticket required. Tickets available 15 minutes before class.
Cozy up and celebrate the winter season with Jan Brett’s classic adaptation of the Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten! Act out the story and make an adorable craft.
Tue, Dec 3 from 6:30 – 7:15 pm at HCLS Central Branch

Family Movie Time: Encanto
Día de las Velitas/Little Candle Day
All ages/Families.
Let’s celebrate “Little Candles’ Day” by watching Encanto and making a craft related with this traditional Colombian holiday which takes place every year on December 7. The tradition consists of lighting candles and lanterns.
Encanto (2021) Rated PG
Deep in the Colombian mountains, the Madrigal family possesses an extraordinary secret. Each member of the family is able to perform magic, except for 15-year-old Mirabel, who does not seem to possess any unusual abilities.Mirabel struggles to reconcile her place within her family while searching for who she truly is.
Sat, Dec 7 from 2 – 4 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch

Winter Celebration
All ages. Tickets available 15 minutes before start of class.
Winter time is here! Listen to stories, learn about what animals do in the winter, and make awesome crafts to celebrate the season.
Sat, Dec 28 from 2 – 2:45 pm at HCLS Elkridge Branch

Noon Year’s Eve
Families. Ticket required. Free tickets available 15 minutes before class.
It’s Noon Year’s Eve! Not staying awake until midnight? Ring in the new year early with stories, dancing, and a special countdown.
Tue, Dec 31 from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm at HCLS Savage Branch