Source: BuzzFeed News

As the holiday season approaches, people around the world are gearing up to celebrate with their loved ones. But have you ever wondered where these festivities came from and why we celebrate them in the first place?

The origins of holidays can be traced back to thousands of years ago, with many of them rooted in religious beliefs or cultural practices. Here's a closer look at the intriguing stories behind some of our favorite holidays.

Christmas: Christmas is widely celebrated on December 25th, and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the exact date of Jesus's birth is unknown, Christmas has been a Christian holiday since at least the 4th century. The tradition of the holly and ivy decorations was brought to England in the 12th century and eventually spread to other parts of the world as Christianity grew. Hanukkah: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and eight nights, starting on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Temple in Jerusalem) in 165 BC, after the Maccabees defeated the Syrians. The tradition of lighting the menorah came after oil lasting eight days was found to be sufficient for lighting the holy lamp, even though only enough oil to last one day had been placed inside the lamp. Diwali: Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is a Hindu holiday that marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It's celebrated on the Hindu calendar's last day of the year and the new moon. The festival symbolizes the homecoming of Lord Rama from exile and the return of King Rama to his hometown, Ayodhya. The lighting of oil lamps and firecrackers are a part of the festivities to signify the victory of good over evil. Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration in the United States that begins on December 26 and international holidays is a time of personal reflection and togetherness. The holiday was created in 1966 in response to racial injustice in the United States and was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist. The name “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili word for “first” and is a celebration of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving in the United States takes place on the fourth Thursday in November and marks the time when the first settlers in America gave thanks for their blessings. While the holiday has its roots in religious practices, the modern version of the holiday we know today was established by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

In conclusion, holidays and celebrations have a fascinating history and hold deep spiritual and cultural meaning. From Christmas to Kwanzaa and Hanukkah to Diwali, these holiday origins show us how different cultures and beliefs come together through the shared joy of togetherness and familial gatherings. While each holiday may have different origins and cultural backgrounds, the underlying theme is one of unity, gratitude and reflection.