Dear Pacifica Community,
As we approach the December holidays—a season rich with traditions around the world like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Ōmisoka, and the celebration of the New Year—it’s a fitting time to pause and reflect on our shared journey. This moment invites us to honor the diversity of our community, the beauty of the traditions we carry, and the collective mission that unites us: animae mundi colendae gratia” (tending the soul of and in the world).
December Holidays Around the World
- Winter Solstice (12/21) – A significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rites. It marked the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun; the gradual waning of daylight hours is reversed and begins to grow again.
- Christmas (12/25) – A holiday celebrated with many traditions in the United States, including decorating a tree, baking cookies, writing letters to Santa, singing carols, exchanging gifts, and wearing an ugly sweater.
- Hanukkah (12/25-1/2) – An eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. Celebrations include lighting a candle on the menorah each day, reading Scripture, reciting Psalms, almsgiving, and singing a special hymn.
- Kwanzaa (12/26-1/1) – Created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies, Kwanzaa is celebrated with the decoration of homes with African cloth, fresh fruits, and objects of art. Families also give thanks to their ancestors and include children in the ceremonies.
- Boxing Day (12/26) – A public holiday in some countries, Boxing Day is a day when families gather, eat, relax, attend sporting events, or go shopping. The holiday’s name comes from the Victorian era, when the wealthy would give away items they no longer needed to the poor, and servants would receive a “special box” of treats. Traditional foods include baked ham, pease pudding, and mince pies.
- Ōmisoka (12/31) – Japan’s second-most important holiday, Ōmisoka is celebrated on New Year’s Eve. Families gather to eat long noodles, such as toshikoski-soba or toshikoshi-udon, which symbolize the transition from one year to the next. At midnight, many people visit shrines or temples, and Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times.
- New Years Day (1/1) – Marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar and is among the most celebrated of public holidays in the world, often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight following New Year’s Eve as the new year starts in each time zone. It marks the end of New Year’s Eve celebrations in the United States and gives many Americans a chance to remember the previous year.
To foster renewal and care for our mental health, Pacifica will observe a quiet time from December 24 to January 1. This period is a chance for us all to rest, recharge, and reflect on the year’s personal and professional growth. Let’s use this time to care for ourselves, connect with loved ones, and consider the possibilities that 2025 holds.
As we look back on our shared journey throughout 2024, I trust you will see that this year has been one of profound growth and transformation. Together, we’ve weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and stayed grounded in our mission to nurture deep learning, connection, and purpose. Along the way, we’ve welcomed new colleagues who bring fresh energy and perspectives to our work, and we’ve bid farewell to others whose contributions will continue to resonate in the life of this college. Guided by our strategic plan, Onward Together, we’ve made meaningful strides in strengthening our foundation for the future. As we prepare to embrace the opportunities and uncertainties of the coming year, including the potential shifts that new political leadership may bring, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our values. These are times that call for courage, creativity, and the ability to hold space for both the known and the unknown—a reflection of the depth psychology principles that animate our work.
Lastly, and above all, I want to express my deepest gratitude for how you welcomed me into Pacifica’s community and your overall contributions to the institution. Whether through inspirational teaching, collaborative administration, or selfless service, your efforts have been instrumental in advancing our shared mission. Your dedication, resilience, and heart inspire me, and I hope you take pride in the difference you make every day. Let us hold space for reflection, gratitude, connection renewing our sense of possibility for ourselves and our loved ones. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restorative holiday season,
Deneatrice Lewis
PGI Vice President of People Culture and Belonging
Deneatrice Lewis, MS, is the Vice President of People, Culture, and Belonging at Pacifica Graduate Institute. She engages with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community partners to foster an inclusive culture. Overseeing Human Resources, she identifies challenges, crafts strategic solutions, and integrates Pacifica’s goals into HR and organizational development.
Deneatrice is an experienced HR professional with a background in both private and public educational environments. She has worked at the University of La Verne, American Career College, San Bernardino Community College District, Woodland Joint Unified School District, and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC). She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Leadership and Organizational Management, both with a concentration in Human Resources, from the University of La Verne.
Hired as Director of Human Resources at SBCC during the pandemic, Deneatrice advanced systems, processes, and relationships with integrity and compassion. In 2022, she became the interim VP of HR.
