Priya Kalia, MD, clinical assistant professor, Department of Family Medicine, Bay Colony Primary Care: “Our celebrations start off with Diwali, the festival of lights, a Hindu/ Sikh holiday from India which goes with the lunar calendar at the end of October to the beginning of November. We clean our homes, light up many diyas (oil lights), do fireworks, decorate our entry floors with rangoli (powdered colors), give gifts, wear new dresses, dance and celebrate with our friends and family.
“We also celebrate Christmas. Aside from the decorations and festivities, our family gives to those in need, reminding ourselves of the compassion of Christ. My husband and I adopt a child’s wish list every year, volunteer to take extra shifts during this time so our colleagues and staff can visit their families, and give to local charities. We try our best to extend our hospitality to students who can't travel home during the holidays.
“There is a specific type of feeling during the Christmas season that resonates in people, and we love seeing everyone's giving nature come out. We're blessed to celebrate two different cultures, both valuing family and friends.”