Closing the Distance
By Mary Colgan
At last, only ten seconds remain before the New Year. The lights flicker out, and screams echo in the darkness.
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one–Chronya Bolla!" everyone shouts. "Happy New Year!"
Any child who has stayed up until midnight on New Year's Eve can relate to this scene of anticipation and joyful celebration. It's as familiar as turkey on Thanksgiving and fireworks on the Fourth of July. But this scene takes place on the island of Cyprus, a place that might otherwise seem distant and mysterious to many kids.
In the December 2005 article "Santa in Cyprus," Highlights readers join Alexis, a boy from Cyprus, as he helps bake Vasilopita (St. Basil's Bread) with his grandmother, makes a wish for the New Year, and receives gifts from Ayios Vassilis (Santa Claus).
Articles such as this help close the distance between Highlights readers and kids all over the world.
"Young readers can 'see' how things are different--and how many things are the same: dancing, feasting, family, and gift giving," Senior Editor Carolyn Yoder says. The goal is to have kids understand that we're all more alike than different.
"We live in a global community. In reading about world cultures in Highlights, our readers are encouraged to embrace that community with respect and understanding," adds Yoder,
who edits world-cultures articles for the magazine.
Another way to kindle respect and awareness is to engage a child's creativity. "Spin, Little Dreidel," another article in the December issue, provides kids with simple instructions for making their own dreidel and playing the popular Hanukkah game. The article offers historical context for the game and encourages kids to take part in a tradition with which they may not be familiar.
"This helps kids gain a richer perspective and realize that differences aren't really mysterious," Associate Editor Jöelle Kirkland says.
"We hope to encourage kids to get to know their own culture better, too," adds Kirkland, who edits nonfiction for younger readers.
As Highlights Cofounder Garry Cleveland Myers, Ph.D., said, "Right attitudes toward one's country are precious. So is tolerance for religion and the way other people think and live."
Open the December 2005 issue to find articles on traditions celebrated by families in the United States and throughout the world.