December: Celebrations and Dilemmas, 2002

December 9, 2002

Source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph

On December 9, 2002 the Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported that "Christianity isn't the only faith in a nation that is founded on the principles of religious freedom. Religious diversity is a way of life in Four Seasons Country, but during the holidays, Christmas is in the air. 'We celebrate Christmas,' Dr. Bhasker Pujari said. 'We don't have any qualms about it.' Pujari is a Hindu. He said that Hindu philosophy encourages embracing all faiths. 'We have a saying: 'All that exists is but one,'' he said. Doris Sue Kantor and her family has always observed Hanukkah, but the Kantors have developed a new tradition since their children have left home. 'During the last few years, Norris and I have gone down to the Holiday of Lights on Christmas Eve, and have collected donations at the gate,' Kantor said. 'That way, we can let our Christian friends enjoy Christmas Eve with their families.' Muslims locally celebrated 'Eid' day on Thursday, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan observation. 'All of the children enjoyed food and toys in that celebration,' Baig said.