By the time December has rolled around many of us are knee deep in holiday mode. Shopping, decorating, cooking, and traveling. Here in the U.S., our default December holiday is Christmas. Just look at any retail store from August on to year’s end. However, there are many more holidays in the last month of the year, some secular, some religious. Let’s take a peek at what we’re celebrating in December.
These are some of the major religious holidays. A few are well known, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, others not so much. Some holidays last for one specific day each year, while others cover multiple days and often fall on differing dates.
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1st. Based upon African harvest traditions it’s widely celebrated among those of African American heritage.
Hanukkah is a multi-day holiday whose dates vary from year to year. This is because the holiday is based on the Hebrew calendar which is based on the lunar cycle rather than the Gregorian calendar which is more widely used. Hanukkah also known as The Festival of Lights lasts for eight days and celebrates the story of Jewish rededication of a Temple found with only enough oil to burn for one day and the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days.
There are multiple holidays in December celebrated throughout Christianity in the world. Here are a few you may be familiar with:
Krampus Day or Krampusnacht and St. Nicholas Day. Krampus punished children who have misbehaved and is St. Nicholas’s opposite. St.Nicholas is known for rewarding children with gifts for behaving well. Celebrated both on December 5th and 6th in parts of Europe with a feast, and often a parade.
December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is the day of the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception often celebrated throughout many Catholic countries.
December 8 is also Bodhi Day known as a day of enlightenment or the day that Buddha experienced enlightenment.
There are literally hundreds of non-sectarian holidays throughout December and the rest of the year. Here are some fun and interesting celebrations I found:
December 4th is National Cookie Day. Perhaps a good day to start your holiday baking, although the cookies may be eaten and gone before Christmas comes around.
December 5th is International Ninja Day.
For the beer lover in your life, December 10th is National Lager Day. Raise a glass and toast the upcoming holidays.
December 15th is Bill of Rights Day. Test your knowledge with this quiz from the National Constitution Center.
Boxing Day on December 26 was originally a day to set aside to donate gifts to the needy. It was originally celebrated in Great Britain as a time for the wealthy to show appreciation for servants, housekeepers and others in their service the day after Christmas. It is celebrated as part of the Christmas holiday throughout the British Commonwealth. In many parts of the world, it is a day off work.
If beer isn’t your thing, December 20th is national Sangria Day. Here’s an easy recipe from AllRecipes. Make a pitcher and curl up on the sofa with a holiday themed movie.
After all the holiday goodies you may want to try celebrating either one of these depending on your personal desires and choices. December 28 is both National Eat Vegetarian Day and National Chocolate Candy Day. Which one are you up for?
After all that celebrating December holidays, I’m ready for a new start. Are you ready for the New Year yet?
