What holidays in December?
December is a month filled with joy, celebration, and festive spirit. It’s a time when people come together to celebrate various holidays, each with its unique traditions and customs. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular holidays celebrated in December.
1. Christmas
The most widely celebrated holiday in December is Christmas. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed on December 25th. Christmas is marked by the decoration of Christmas trees, the exchange of gifts, and the singing of carols. Families gather to enjoy a festive dinner, and many people attend church services to give thanks and celebrate the holiday spirit.
2. Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that usually falls in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrian-Greek army. Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and giving gifts to children.
3. Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a week-long African-American holiday that takes place from December 26th to January 1st. It celebrates the Nguzo Saba, or seven principles of African heritage. The holiday focuses on family, community, and the importance of culture and unity. Kwanzaa is celebrated with a special table setting, the lighting of the kinara, the recitation of the Kwanzaa values, and the exchange of gifts.
4. New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve marks the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and the making of resolutions. People around the world gather with friends and family to enjoy festive meals, watch fireworks, and ring in the new year with parties and celebrations.
5. St. Nicholas Day
St. Nicholas Day is a Western Christian holiday that celebrates the life of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. It is observed on December 6th and is a time for gift-giving to children. In some countries, like the Netherlands, children leave their shoes by the fireplace on the night before St. Nicholas Day, and St. Nicholas fills them with gifts.
In conclusion, December is a month filled with diverse holidays that bring people together to celebrate, reflect, and appreciate the spirit of giving and unity. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, or St. Nicholas Day, these holidays offer a chance to share joy and create lasting memories with loved ones.
