December is a month filled with many different holidays celebrated around the world. From religious celebrations to cultural festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular global holidays that take place in December.
Hanukkah:
Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that begins on the 25th day of Kislev, which falls in December. The holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Temple, where a small amount of oil burned for eight days.
During Hanukkah, Jewish families light the Menorah, a special candle holder with eight branches and a ninth branch to light the other eight. They also exchange gifts, play games and eat traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).
Christmas:
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th and is a time for families to gather together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional meals. In many countries, people also decorate their homes with Christmas lights, trees, and ornaments.
Kwanzaa:
Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American holiday that begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. It is a time for African Americans to celebrate their heritage and culture. The holiday was created in the 1960s by Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies. During Kwanzaa, families light candles, exchange gifts, and participate in traditional African American cultural activities such as drumming and dancing.
New Year’s Eve:
New Year’s Eve is a holiday that is celebrated around the world on December 31st. It is a time for people to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. Many people celebrate by attending parties, watching fireworks, and counting down the seconds until the New Year. In some countries, people also make New Year’s resolutions and set goals for the upcoming year.
Yalda Night:
Yalda Night is an ancient Persian festival celebrated on the longest night of the year that is the night of the winter solstice. It is celebrated on December 20th or 21st depending on the year. This festival is an occasion for family and friends to gather together, eat, drink and read poetry. People also eat dried fruits and nuts, and pomegranate and watermelon are the traditional fruits of the night.
Saint Nicholas Day:
Saint Nicholas Day is a Christian holiday that is celebrated on December 6th. It honors Saint Nicholas, who was a bishop in the 4th century and known for his kindness and generosity. In many European countries, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, children leave their shoes out on the night of December 5th, and find them filled with sweets and small presents the next morning.
Las Posadas:
Las Posadas is a Mexican and Latin American tradition that is celebrated from December 16th to the 24th. It commemorates Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. The tradition involves a reenactment of their search, with participants going from house to house, asking for lodging and singing carols. They are usually turned away until they reach a designated “inn” where they are finally offered a place to stay.
Yule:
Yule is a festival that is celebrated by many modern Pagans, Wiccans, and Heathens. It is celebrated on the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21st or 22nd depending on the year. This festival is a celebration of the return of the sun and the promise of new growth and fertility. It is a time for feasting, gift giving, and lighting candles and bonfires.
Boxing Day:
Boxing Day is a holiday that is celebrated on December 26th in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries that were once part of the British Empire. It is a day for giving and receiving gifts, particularly to those who are less fortunate. It is also a day for sports, particularly cricket and football, and for shopping. Many stores offer post-Christmas sales on this day.
Saint Stephen’s Day:
Saint Stephen’s Day is a Christian holiday that is celebrated on December 26th. It honors Saint Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr. In many Catholic countries, particularly in Ireland, Spain, and Italy, it is a public holiday and is celebrated with religious services and traditional customs. Some people also leave food and drink out for the poor, or give money to charity on this day.
Conclusion:
December is a month filled with many different holidays celebrated around the world. Each holiday is unique and offers its own special way to celebrate and honor different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Whether it’s lighting Hanukkah candles, decorating a Christmas tree, or counting down to the new year, December is a time for families and friends to come together and create special memories.