What are all of the holidays in December? December is a month filled with various festive occasions that bring joy, celebration, and reflection to people around the world. From religious holidays to secular celebrations, December offers a diverse array of events that cater to different cultures and beliefs. Let’s explore some of the most prominent holidays in December.
1. Christmas: Perhaps the most widely celebrated holiday in December, Christmas is a Christian festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by the exchange of gifts, decorations, and festive gatherings with family and friends. People often decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments, and participate in traditional customs such as caroling and attending church services. Christmas is also a time for charity and giving, with many people donating to those in need.
2. Hanukkah: Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is marked by the lighting of the menorah, a candelabra with nine branches, and the eating of traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot. Hanukkah is a time of joy, unity, and gratitude for the miracles that occurred during the Maccabean Revolt.
3. Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is a week-long African-American holiday that celebrates the seven principles of African heritage and culture. It is observed from December 26th to January 1st and is marked by the lighting of the Kinara, a candleholder with seven candles. Each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, and faith. Kwanzaa is a time of family, community, and reflection.
4. New Year’s Eve: New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year and is celebrated with various festivities around the world. It is a time for parties, fireworks, and the welcoming of the new year. People often make resolutions, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the future. In many countries, it is customary to wear new clothes and have a feast with family and friends.
5. St. Nicholas Day: Celebrated on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day is a Western Christian holiday that commemorates the life of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness. It is marked by gift-giving, especially to children, and the wearing of red and white attire. In some countries, St. Nicholas is also associated with Santa Claus.
6. Boxing Day: Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th in many countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and Canada. It is a day for giving and receiving gifts, as well as for spending time with family and friends. The origin of the holiday is believed to be related to the tradition of giving Christmas boxes to employees and the poor.
In conclusion, December is a month filled with a variety of holidays that cater to different cultures and beliefs. From the religious celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah to the secular festivities of New Year’s Eve and Boxing Day, December offers a diverse array of occasions to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of the season.
