Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

The December holidays have their own familiar themes, ones that seem incongruous at other times of the year. It doesn’t matter if you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas or Kwaanza; you expect to see certain symbols in the marketplace, on television, and in your local newspaper.

Having a Christian-based background, I react to evergreen wreaths, traditional carols, and Christmas trees, both real and artificial. And even though I don’t actively attend church these days, I enjoy the retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ.

But at one time in my life, I was married to a man of Jewish heritage. So I learned to appreciate the tradition of giving gifts for several nights, of lighting a menorah, of eating potato pancakes made from scratch. My in-law family, at the same time, came to my house to decorate a Christmas tree for the first time. We learned from each other.

I’ve not had a Kwaanza experience, but I’m pleased that this holiday is growing in significance to African American families. Why shouldn’t they celebrate their religious culture too?

Today is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the turkey day that is a uniquely American holiday; and it seems an appropriate time to begin acknowledging the other festivals ahead. It is in this spirit that I hope for peace on earth this year. I wish it for everyone who reads my blog and all of those who don’t.

This is a theme that is never incongruous.