December Global Holidays is filled with some of the most joyous holidays and celebrations from around the world. The cold winter month brings people together with festivities centered around food, family, tradition, and religion. Here are some of the major global holidays celebrated in December.
Christmas (December 25)
The most widely observed December global holidays is Christmas, celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Christian traditions include decorated trees, gift-giving, special meals, and attending church services. In predominantly Christian countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia, Christmas – a December global holiday – dominates the month with concerts, parades, and an overall festive atmosphere.
Hanukkah (Begins late November to late December)
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, occurs in December and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Central traditions include lighting the menorah candles each night of the eight-day holiday, eating fried foods and playing games. Hanukkah celebrations often overlap with and contribute to the general festive spirit of December.
Kwanzaa (December 26 to January 1)
Kwanzaa is a week-long African-American celebration of African heritage that begins on December 26. The name originates from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits of the harvest.” Kwanzaa focuses on seven core principles or “Nguzo Saba” that guide African-American family and community values. Activities include candle lighting, feasting, gift giving and music.
Al Hijra (Starts in November but often falls in December)
Al Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and lunar new year. The holiday commemorates the prophet Muhammad’s emigration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, an event that is traditionally seen as the founding of the Muslim community. Muslims celebrate Al Hijra with acts of charity, Islamic prayers and the traditional broken fast of iftar.
Los Posadas (December 16-24)
Los Posadas is a nine-day Mexican celebration commemorating Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Families and groups carry lit candles and figures representing the holy couple as they walk from house to house on their “posada,” or shelter search. Participants joyfully sing traditional carols and drink atole, a warm corn-based drink.
Diwali (Starts in October but often falls in December)
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and one of the most important celebrations on the Hindu calendar. The five-day holiday celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Traditions include lighting diya oil lamps, sharing sweets, worshipping deities and lighting fireworks. Diwali celebrations help infuse December with festive cheer.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Boxing Day is a public holiday in many Commonwealth countries falling on December 26. The holiday originated in the United Kingdom and has been observed in countries that formed the British Empire. Boxing Day gets its name from the tradition of giving “Christmas boxes” of money and gifts to charities and service workers on this day. Many retailers also hold sales on Boxing Day.
New Year’s Eve/Day (December 31/January 1)
December concludes with global celebrations of the new year. Traditions include making new year’s resolutions, attending parties, making noise to ward off evil spirits and watching fireworks displays at midnight. New Year’s Day is a public holiday in most countries, giving an opportunity to sleep in, recover from celebrations and start the new year afresh.
As you can see, December is filled with diverse cultural and religious holidays centered around light, celebration and giving. The festive spirit permeating the month provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and create community during the coldest time of year.
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