UUs Celebrate Chalica (#124)

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You’re invited to celebrate a new Unitarian Universalist holiday—Chalica, which runs from Monday to Sunday of a week in December and focuses on a different Unitarian Universalist Principle each day.

A chalice is lit each evening, and gifts can be given and received. Gifts may be made, bought, verbal, written, or acts of compassion. Here are some ideas for celebrating each day of Chalica:

Monday: Light the chalice for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

  • Help a person in need.
  • Write a thank-you note to a local group serving marginalized people.

Tuesday: Light the chalice for justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.

  • Donate clothing to a worthy organization
  • Do something kind for those around you.

Wednesday: Light the chalice for acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth.

  • Give supplies to a local sanctuary that provides shelter for people or animals.
  • Extend words of peace or forgiveness to someone you know.

Thursday: Light the chalice for a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.

  • Tell someone about a meaningful moment in your life.
  • Give or read a book

Friday: Light the chalice for the right of conscience and use of the democratic process.

  • Read an article or book about everyday ethics.
  • Host a conversation about what democracies need.

Saturday: Light the chalice for the goal of world peace, liberty, and justice for all.

  • Write a letter for Amnesty International about a political prisoner.
  • Contribute to a local social justice non-profit’s fundraiser

Sunday: Light the chalice to show respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

  • Start a compost or recycle.
  • Take a meditative walk outdoors (dress warmly!)

Chalica was created just 20 years ago, in Vancouver, Canada, by folks wishing to create a December UU holiday, similar to others at this time of year.

Chalica is a light-hearted way to shift some of our culture’s commercialization toward family interaction, acts of caring, and discussion of the underlying principles for a good life. . .all at the same time.

Chalica now has a Facebook page. And here and there, a Unitarian congregation devotes a Sunday to it and invites its members to take up Chalica at home.