Winter holiday traditions to be celebrated Dec. 16 at UUSD

A Winter Holiday Celebration will be presented by Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware Humanism Study Group, the Humanists of Southern Delaware and the Eastern Shore Humanists from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16, online and in person at the UUSD church.

Throughout the global family, the traditions of welcoming winter and celebrating the holidays are endless. For some, religion plays an important role. For a growing number of folks, tradition and ceremony do not require the dogma and ritual of a particular organized religion.

Presenters will share stories, readings and traditional practices expressed by a diverse cross-section of Delawareans.

Kwanzaa signifies universal uplifting human values. It will be explained and demonstrated by local activist and retired educator Waynne Paskins, with the help of attendees.

Also discussing tradition will be Cuban native Maria Castillo, who is a bilingual and bicultural clinical social worker.

Herman Jackson, known as Tidewater Turtle Owl, is of Nanticoke Indian heritage, and his traditional homelands encompass the Chesapeake Bay and Delmarva Peninsula. He will speak, show tribal objects and take questions focused on how the Nanticoke made the most of local-area winters.

“The format of this presentation is open and dynamic, and our objective is to present a humanist approach to winter and holiday traditions in an uplifting and positive spirit,” said Charles Bittner, Humanists of Southern Delaware leader.

The Unitarian Universalist church is at 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes.

For the Zoom link, go to humanistsofsdelaware.org/events.