The Holiday Spirit Part 2

There is an intensity of celebrations that happen all around the world and in every season.  It amazes me the unity holidays bring, even in unexpected places and unexpected ways.  Thanksgiving, for instance, is an American holiday, yet the influence of American culture and Americans living abroad have impacted other countries to recognize and celebrate with us.  Having lived in the Cayman Islands for a number of years, I can attest that many local island restaurants will offer Thanksgiving-themed meals on Thanksgiving Day.  While you might say they are catering to the American tourists or expats, even some Caymanians with no family ties to the United States will prepare a turkey with all the traditional fixings in their own home.  The social and economic interactions with the U.S. over the years have simply led them to take part in many of the traditions and customs of America.  The same holds true for the impact of other nations on the U.S.  St. Patrick’s Day originated as an Irish holiday, yet the influence of Irish immigrants here in America has sparked parades and festivities all around the country every March 17^th.  This international intermingling of holiday expression is not just reserved for cultural, but religious celebrations, too.  I have witnessed a person of the Muslim faith get enticed by the Christian practices of decorating and giving gifts for Christmas.  That is almost uncomprehensible.  From the religious to the non-religious, what compels people to behave differently because of a holiday?  Is it the allure of traditions, the sense of belonging or is it something else entirely?  What does this say about the power of an organized group or the world-wide influence of a culture in directing one’s thoughts and actions?  If there is truly something to this so-called “holiday spirit,” what makes it so contagious?  Next week let’s begin to dive into some of the hypothesized theories as to what drives these reactions and behaviors as discussed in Part 1 and Part 2 of “The Holiday Spirit.”