December is a month filled with various holidays celebrated around the world. Here are 11 notable holidays that take place in December:
- Hanukkah: This Jewish festival of lights lasts for eight days and nights, usually falling in late November to late December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
- Christmas: Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by various traditions, including gift-giving, decorations, and festive meals.
- Kwanzaa: This week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage begins on December 26 and runs through January 1. It includes ceremonies, storytelling, and the lighting of the kinara.
- Boxing Day: Observed on December 26th in several countries, including the UK and Canada, Boxing Day traditionally involves giving gifts to the less fortunate and spending time with family and friends.
- Winter Solstice: Celebrated around December 21st or 22nd, this marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Various cultures celebrate with festivals and rituals to welcome the return of longer days.
- Saint Nicholas Day: Celebrated on December 6th in many European countries, this day honors Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, with gift-giving and festivities.
- Festivus: Created as a fictional holiday in the television show “Seinfeld,” Festivus is celebrated on December 23rd. It features an aluminum pole, “Airing of Grievances,” and other quirky traditions.
- Las Posadas: A nine-day celebration in Mexico and parts of Central America, Las Posadas occurs from December 16 to December 24, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus.
- Bodhi Day: Celebrated on December 8th by Buddhists, this day commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) under the Bodhi tree.
- Yule: This ancient festival, celebrated around the winter solstice, marks the rebirth of the sun and includes various pagan traditions, rituals, and feasting.
- New Year’s Eve: On December 31st, people around the world celebrate the last day of the year with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight.
These holidays reflect a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and seasonal celebrations across the globe.