October, November, December Holidays Here and There

October, November, December here (USA) =Columbus Day, Halloween (unofficial but candy filled fun for kids), Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

October, November, December there (Bahamas) = Discovery Day and Christmas.

Interestingly enough, though Columbus is thought to have first landed in the Bahamas, here in the U.S. he has long been credited (and discredited along with others for the decimation of native peoples) with discovering America. There is a movement in the Bahamas to expose Columbus’ murderous legacy and change Discovery Day to National Heroes Day, a day dedicated to discovering and recognizing African men and women who have fought for real freedom for all people. Compromising on the name of the day and calling it Discover National Heroes Day appeals to me. Recognizing heroes who have fought for the freedom of all people appeals to me too.

Halloween the unofficial holiday that runs a close second (as a favorite for kids in the U.S.) to Christmas isn't celebrated in the Bahamas officially or unofficially. But this year some Bahamian children were treated to some Halloween fun along with the children from the AUTEC School. My friend and photographer, Leroy, sponsored and brought some of them to the haunted forest to enjoy some frightful fun. Hidden in the haunted forest (a patch of trees behind the softball field) they encountered a spooky field hospital, with mad doctors creating zombies. I think it was fitting that at least one met his demise beneath a golf cart!

Although I am not an official “Autecnic,” just an occasional visiting dependent, I give thanks for the beauty and bounty of the natural world that is the Bahamas every time I am lucky enough to step off the plane and into its paradise. Although I won’t be there for Thanksgiving this week I have seen the menu for the chow hall and I hear that they go all out providing everyone with a delicious traditional meal every year. Thanksgiving, although not an official Bahamian holiday, is observed at AUTEC as a day of giving thanks at the chapel, and enjoying U.S. style traditional Thanksgiving feasts in the homes  of the families there and the chow hall.

The December holiday the U.S. and Bahamas share celebrates the birth of Jesus, Christmas Day and I reserve the right to not blog about Christmas until after Thanksgiving!