Veterans Day Diwali
I suppose today isn’t quite the same magical combination of Chanukah and Thanksgiving that we had a few years back. But still, it’s notable that today is both Diwali and Veterans Day.
One is more of an eating holiday. But I think there is a nice little bit of overlap.
Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. When we think about those who have served in our military, it’s comforting to think of a world where goodness prevails.
So I say, celebrate both. Part of me wants to run out and get some colorful “Christmas” lights just for the Hindu celebration. But it isn’t just Hindus who celebrate today. Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists also have their own holidays along similar themes.
Maybe since the kids have off from school today, we can run out for a mango lassi or some other kind of Indian treat.
Somehow all of my invites to Diwali parties must have gotten lost in the mail this year. Don’t people know that I make a mean kaju katli?
Since this is a short post anyhow, maybe I should ask a serious question. What holidays from cultures that aren’t your own do you particularly enjoy celebrating? And what do you do to celebrate them?
My hunch is that I’ll get a lot of drinking holidays, but I’m really curious to see what pops up besides St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo.
FUSSYlittleBLOG 
I have been celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau release day for over 25 years….this year it is on November 19th and I fully plan on purchasing a bottle that day. Yes, it’s not the best wine in the world…but it has become a tradition.
Not quite what you asked, but: I delight in introducing folks here to my favourite holiday, Guy Fawkes’ Night.
And to actually answer: Thanksgiving. Just about the only US holiday that feels noncommercial, people-centred, and foodie :).
I like Day of the Dead Mexican-style with the candy skulls and the fantastical folk art. Also with Ewan on Thanksgiving, which I’ve always considered somebody else’s holiday even though I was born in the U.S. Perhaps because nobody in my own culture would have the good sense to devote a holiday to eating as much as you want.
By the way, your post is too short
I enjoy the reminder to enjoy food from another culture/tradition but I avoid saying I am celebrating someone else’s holiday.
I enjoy making longevity noodles for Chinese New Year.
We’ve thrown Boxing Day parties for several years. We’d get a big ham, maybe a turkey breast, make a ton of soup, and pitchers of Manhattan and invite everyone we know. It’s a fun way to eat more great food and celebrate the season without Christmas and other holiday stress looming. We also like to celebrate Chinese New Year.