Celebs Give Holiday Message To Friends & Fans

 

By Darlene Donloe

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a whirlwind of traditions, gatherings, and treats. 

It’s the time of year when a bunch of holidays are happening within weeks of each other. 

The holiday season begins annually in November and ends in January. 

Several holidays fall within those months, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's. 

Many traditions occur during that time, including families and friends getting together for Thanksgiving to consume lots of turkey and sweet potato pie while watching football. 

At Christmas, gifts are exchanged, letters are written to Santa, ugly sweaters are worn, carols are sung, parades are held, lots of get-togethers, families gather, bake cookies, decorate trees, and overeat.  

Hanukkah includes lighting the menorah each evening, prayers, games, food, songs, eating fried treats, giving children gifts of money, and playing a game with a four-sided top. 

Kwanzaa traditions include sharing a feast, celebrating Black culture, honoring ancestors, African drumming, candle lighting, and reciting original poetry. 

New Year’s consists of a midnight kiss, singing Auld Lang Syne, parties, watching the ball drop, making a toast, making New Year’s resolutions, counting down to the New Year, football, and parades. 

It is usually a colossal celebration of families and friends, with many traditions.

With so many customs to uphold, I asked several celebrities what message they would give to friends, fans, and loved ones during the holiday season.

Michael Colyar

MICHAEL COLYAR (actor/comedian) – Remember the reason for the season. Also, remember to be joyful and kind. Keep God first.

Dr. Betty Price

DR. BETTY PRICE (Crenshaw Christian Center) “Be thankful that God has provided through Jesus Christ. Share as much of that time with family and friends.

Bootsy Collins

BOOTSY COLLINS (Parliament-Funkadelic) - Really pay attention to one another because that is what funk is. Funk is making something out of nothing. When you keep that in mind, that’s what we do. We make something out of nothing. Do not be so distracted by all this mess. We know how to make it through the desert. That’s what funk is – make it through the desert without whining, drama, and distractions. No matter the day, we’ve been through it and are still going through it. The cycle doesn’t stop – we do.

Bill Duke

BILL DUKE (actor, director, humanitarian) There is a saying I love.  I can’t remember the gentleman who said it, but it says, ‘Aspire to inspire before you expire.’

Patrice Rushen

PATRICE RUSHEN (musician "Forget Me Nots"): Tell people you love them. The people you love – tell them and demonstrate it through your everyday actions. It’s the little things.

Dave Koz

DAVE KOZ (saxophonist) This year has been challenging. The world is changing at lightning speed. The foundation seems to be moving, and we don’t know where it’s going. The holidays are about connecting with loved ones, your family, or your chosen family. If you have people who love you, you’re ahead of the game.

Reginald Hudlin

REGINALD HUDLIN (director/producer/screenwriter) – Spend time with your family and friends, and try to block out all of the noise. 

Sharon Catherine Brown

SHARON CATHERINE BROWN (Broadway actress, The Notebook) Hang in there, and hold family members that you have – close before, during, and after the holidays because tomorrow is not promised.