What are some holidays in December? December is a month filled with festive celebrations and holidays that bring joy and togetherness to people around the world. From traditional religious observances to secular celebrations, December offers a variety of events that cater to different cultures and beliefs. Let’s explore some of the most prominent holidays in December.
1. Christmas: The most widely celebrated holiday in December, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and the exchange of festive decorations. People decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments, and enjoy traditional Christmas meals and desserts. Christmas is also a time for giving back to the community through acts of kindness and charity.
2. Hanukkah: Celebrated by Jewish people, Hanukkah is an eight-day festival of lights that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is marked by the lighting of the menorah, the traditional Jewish lamp, and the eating of foods fried in oil, such as latkes and sufganiyot. Hanukkah also involves gift-giving and playing with dreidels, a four-sided spinning top.
3. Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage and culture, observed by African Americans and people of African descent. It begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. The holiday focuses on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, which include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, and faith. Kwanzaa is celebrated with a candleholder called a kinara, which holds seven candles, and a feast called a Kwanzaa Karamu.
4. New Year’s Eve: December 31st marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. New Year’s Eve is a time for parties, fireworks, and the countdown to midnight. People make resolutions for the coming year and reflect on the past. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements and milestones of the past year.
5. St. Nicholas Day: Celebrated on December 6th, St. Nicholas Day is a Western Christian feast day that honors the memory of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century Greek bishop known for his generosity and kindness. Children often leave out their shoes on the night before to receive gifts from St. Nicholas, similar to Santa Claus.
These are just a few of the many holidays celebrated in December. Each holiday carries its own unique traditions and significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and religious observances that make December a truly special time of year.
