Wow! Voltarc is a very inquisitive person! Well, you decide that since you are Voltarc’s host, it is your job to answer these questions for him. You take a deep breath and start answering.

What is Christmas?
The word Christmas comes from the words Christes maesse, or “Christ’s Mass.” Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus for members of the Christian religion. Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. The federal government, all state governments, all schools/colleges/universities and the vast majority of businesses in America give employees a vacation. Christmas is one of the biggest events of the year (especially for children).

What is Hanukkah?
This holiday originated when Judah the Maccabee and his followers reclaimed the temple in the village of Modi’in from the Syrian King, Antiochus IV. The temple was cleansed and prepared for rededication. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication.” When the sacred temple Menorah (candelabra) was relit, there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. Yet, according to tradition, the oil miraculously lasted eight days until more purified oil could be
found.

What is Kwanzaa?
Although not a religious holiday, Kwanzaa is, rather, a seven-day celebration. Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of cultural reaffirmation. It took root 30 years ago, when graduate student, Maulana Karenga, disturbed by the 1965 riots in Los Angeles, decided that African-Americans needed an annual event to celebrate their differences.
Why do you have a tree in your house?

One legend tells of St. Boniface who encountered some German pagans about to sacrifice a child at the bast of an Oak tree. He cut down the Oak to prevent the sacrifice and a fir tree grew in its place. St. Boniface told the pagans that this was the Tree of Life and represented Jesus.

Another legend says that Martin Luther, the founder of Protestantism, saw the stars shining through the branches of a tree and made him think of twinkling lights. It impressed him so much that he cut down a small tree and took it home to decorate himself.

Why do you have a bunch of candles lit in your house?
The Menorah is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It’s usually a nine-branch candelabrum whose candles are lit by a “Shamash,” or service candle, which then takes its own place at the center of the Menorah. This is to symbolize the Menorah that was relit and there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. Yet the oil miraculously lasted eight days.

Who is this Santa Claus guy?
Saint Nicholas was the inspiration for the modern Santa Claus. St. Nicholas was himself derived from pagan givers. In the 1800s, the legend evolved replacing Santa’s horse with reindeer and sleigh, and embellishing such details as the toy workshop at the North Pole run by elves.
What are the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance. Umoja (togetherness), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
Why does everyone,
even Floridians, dream of a white Christmas?
Well, that’s an easy one! The song ("I’m Dreaming of a") White Christmas, written by Irving Berlin is one of the best selling songs of all time.

What is up with those fruitcakes?
According to The Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer and Marion Becker, “Many people feel that these cakes improve greatly with age. When they are well saturated with alcoholic liquors, which raise the spirits and keep down mold, and are buried in powdered sugar in tightly closed tins, they have been enjoyed as long as 25 years after baking.” No word yet on how they got attached to Christmas.
Voltarc is very impressed and amazed by the Americans' traditions and customs, but he also wants to know how other people celebrate the holidays. Do they spend the day with their family? Do they go on vacation? Or, do they make a mad dash to the nearest Denny’s for a late-night snack?
Senior, Jen Mosley, says she spends Christmas Day with her family in New Jersey and the day after Christmas with her family in New York. “I celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah so I will be celebrating the holidays on both of those days. If I am a good Jew, I should be going to synagogue as well during Hanukkah -we’ll see how dedicated I am.”

Junior, Terry Robinson, has a different tradition for Christmas Eve at his house. “The only Christmas tradition we have is sitting down around our Zenith and watching The Shawshank Redemption.” When asked about the other holidays, he replied, “Summary of all Jewish Holidays. Someone attacked us, we won, let’s eat.”

Voltarc now has enough information to enjoy the holidays on Earth. Hopefully now he'll be able to explain to his fellow aliens the meaning of the customs and traditions of American holidays.