What all holidays are in December?

December is a month filled with joy, celebration, and a myriad of holidays that bring people together. This festive season is marked by various traditions and observances that vary across cultures and religions. In this article, we will explore the most significant holidays celebrated in December.

1. Christmas

The most widely celebrated holiday in December is Christmas. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and is marked by the decoration of Christmas trees, gift-giving, and the exchange of greetings. People also attend church services, have family gatherings, and enjoy festive meals.

2. Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that typically falls in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, the playing of dreidel, and the eating of traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

3. Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long African-American holiday that begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. It is a time to celebrate African heritage and culture, as well as to reflect on the principles of unity, self-determination, creativity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, and faith. Kwanzaa is marked by the lighting of the kinara, the exchange of gifts, and the sharing of a communal meal.

4. St. Lucia’s Day

St. Lucia’s Day is a Christian holiday celebrated primarily in Scandinavian countries, Italy, and the United States. It honors Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who is said to have brought food to the poor during a famine. The celebration typically involves the wearing of a crown of candles by a young girl, the baking of Lucia bread, and the serving of Lucia coffee.

5. Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th in many countries, primarily in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is a day for giving to those in need, often in the form of donations to charities or gifts to the poor. The origin of the holiday is uncertain, but it is believed to be related to the tradition of giving Christmas boxes to laborers.

6. New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is the final day of the year and is celebrated worldwide as the beginning of a new year. It is marked by parties, fireworks, and the making of resolutions. People often gather with friends and family to toast to the new year and reflect on the past year’s events.

In conclusion, December is a month filled with diverse holidays that celebrate love, family, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia’s Day, Boxing Day, or New Year’s Eve, these holidays bring people together and create a sense of joy and unity during the festive season.