York Regional Police Chief Armand La Barge would like to wish everyone across the region a safe and happy holiday season, as the Muslim, Jewish, African-Canadian and Christian communities celebrate special faith and cultural dates this month.

Eid al-Adha, beginning on December 8, 2008 and lasting for three days, is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. This Festival of Sacrifice commemorates the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ibrahim with Muslims giving thanks to Allah for His bounty and mercy. On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims attend morning prayers at their local mosque, followed by visits with family and friends and the exchanging of greetings and gifts. Eid Saeed!

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration in our Jewish community and starts at sundown on December 21, 2008. With blessings, games and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs of ancient Jewish heroes. Hanukkah, which means dedication in Hebrew, reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God’s commandments and to lead Jewish lives. The lighting of the Menorah, which symbolizes the burning light in the temple as well as marking the eight days of the festival, is the most important Hanukkah tradition. Gut Yontiff!

Kwanzaa is a non-religious African-Canadian holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. It is celebrated for seven days from December 26, 2008 to January 1, 2009. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase matunda ya kwanza which means first fruits in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances featuring African drums, storytelling, poetry reading and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, families gather, a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder) and one of the seven principles, called Nguzo Saba, is discussed. The seven principles are values of African culture and include Unity, Self-Determination and Faith.

Christmas is celebrated by Christians throughout the world as the birth of Jesus Christ. God gave his only Son so the faithful will have eternal life. Christmas is the celebration of this act of love. To honour the event and out of gratitude for what God did, it is marked with gift-giving and worship and being especially conscious of the poor and less fortunate. Many people take the idea of gift-giving at Christmas back to the story of the Magi (wise men) giving gifts to Jesus. When they learned of the birth, they were overjoyed and upon seeing the child, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

“At this special time of the year, we appreciate the many diverse cultures that make up the region and the many ways they celebrate,” said Chief La Barge. “On behalf of all the members of York Regional Police, I wish you and your families the best of the season and health, happiness and prosperity in the coming year.”