91Ö±²¥

This is the perfect weekend, with Christmas, Boxing Day and more celebrations coming. Many Americans are not familiar with the history of Boxing Day, but it is perhaps second only in importance to celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The tradition of Boxing Day may be traced back to the early Christian era when the rich used to box up gifts for the poor. Today, it is much more popular in the U.K. and Commonwealth Nations and is concurrent with the Christian holiday, Saint Stephan’s Day or Day of Goodwill.

We sometimes tend to focus on what we will get for Christmas, but the point of Boxing Day is sharing with folks who are less fortunate. When we focus on giving instead of getting, it really is the season to be jolly.

However, it is much more than that — especially in 91Ö±²¥, where it seems the Christmas spirit continues all year thanks to the constant reminder that we choose to live aloha. The basic teachings of Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Moses and other spiritual leaders all come together here.

Earlier, we celebrated Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, the Enlightenment of Buddha under the Bodhi Tree (Ficus religiosa) on Dec. 8 and of course all the 91Ö±²¥an celebrations as well.

Diversity is respected. Faith, hope and love are emphasized in Judeo Christian, Islamic and Hindu ethics. Buddhist teachings reflect this as well, but go one step further. Some folks may disagree, but as Buddha is quoted, “We are shaped by our thoughts: We become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” Put all this together, and we have aloha!

Of course, there are big differences when it comes to the European and North American traditional ideas of Christmas with snow, Santa Claus and presents. In 91Ö±²¥, we often see the same activities that we might see in July. The surf and beach are still the big attraction. Folks might even take the holidays to catch up on gardening projects.

Some folks miss the snow and the bite of frost in the air. They miss the cold, dark days when all life is dormant. They long for the coziness of an open fireplace and the smell of turkey, ham or roast beef cooking in the kitchen.

But think about it. Most of the customs now associated with Christmas have little to do with the real meaning.

For example, the mistletoe originally had nothing to do with Christmas. It was considered sacred by those same tree-worshippers because it grew on oaks. To this day in Europe, amulets and rings of mistletoe are worn as an antidote against sickness.

Since we can’t plant mistletoe over the threshold here, we may find joy in gardening. Yuletide gardening will be the top activity for many folks through the holidays, so even if you live in a condo, you can turn your attention to indoor plantings. COVID-19 restricted our social gatherings and parties the last few years, but it gave us an opportunity to focus on the real meaning of this season.

Merry Christmas and the best holidays throughout the year to all. Don’t forget prayers all year for a safe and healthy 2026.

Norman Bezona is professor emeritus, University of 91Ö±²¥ College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.