Christmas at SOS
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An SOS child smiles in front of a Christmas tree in Ennerdale, South Africa. |
Many SOS families across the globe celebrate Christmas every year. The occasion is especially meaningful for thousands of SOS children as they share the holiday festivities with their SOS mother, brothers, and sisters.
Children write Santa letters at many villages. One boy, Thia, from the SOS village in Da Nang, Vietnam asks Santa to bring him a "small present" because he has done well in school. Zandalee, a girl from the SOS village in Cape Town, South Africa, tells Santa that the most important of part of the holiday is "spending Christmas with my SOS family."
Learn more about Christmas at SOS...
Easter at SOS
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| A child paints an Easter egg at the SOS Children's Village Maputo in Mozambique |
Many SOS families across the globe celebrate Easter each year. The occasion is especially meaningful for thousands of SOS children as they share the holiday festivities with their SOS mother, brothers and sisters.
Children decorate Easter eggs and receive Easter gifts in many of our villages. "I like the chocolate eggs that are given by our SOS mother," exclaims a child from the SOS Children's Village Bata in Equatorial Guinea.
Learn more about Easter at SOS...
Family Traditions at SOS
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| An SOS mother and an SOS child share a special moment |
Traditions vary in each of our villages in 132 countries. From SOS children in the Netherlands hanging stockings for Sinter Klaas (Santa Claus) to children celebrating Diwali in India with their SOS families, there are many holidays and special moments that SOS children share with their SOS families.
The love that our SOS families share in our nearly 500 villages during these occasions and every day is a life-long bond.
Learn more about family traditions at SOS...
Hanukkah at SOS
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| A girl helps light a menorah |
Hanukkah is celebrated by SOS children and their SOS mothers in our villages, particularly in the two villages in Israel.
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Kwanzaa at SOS
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An SOS mother and two SOS children embrace at the SOS village in Senegal |
With 124 villages in 45 countries across the African continent and the far-reaching impact of SOS around the world, Kwanzaa is joyous time for many members of the SOS community who to reflect upon and celebrate their cultural history and traditions.
Learn more about Kwanzaa at SOS...
Passover at SOS
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| Children at the SOS Children's Village Arad in Israel |
Passover is celebrated by many SOS children and their SOS families in our villages, particularly in our Israeli villages.
Each year during Passover, the SOS Children's Village Arad in Israel has a symbolic survival hike. The children enjoy the annual hike, and it offers them a great learning opportunity. Last year, the hike took place near the Dead Sea and the ancient fortress of Messada.
The hike culminates with a traditional seder ceremony, which includes a festive dinner and celebrations.
Learn more about Passover at SOS...
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed. For Ramadan, participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during the day. It is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of Allah and to offer special prayers. The practice of fasting is meant to teach patience, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate.
The Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan. During Eid, food and gifts are donated to the poor.
Learn more about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr at SOS...
Thanksgiving
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| Read about Lucia's "Thanksgiving" story |
Thanksgiving is mainly celebrated in the United States. But, thanks to caring SOS Children's Villages supporters, tens of thousands of children will gather at tables around the world with their SOS families and give thanks before eating every night this year.
They may not know it is Thanksgiving but they are grateful.
Learn more about Thanksgiving at SOS...