what holidays are celebrated in december besides christmas

3 min read 09-12-2024

what holidays are celebrated in december besides christmas

Meta Description: December is packed with festive cheer! While Christmas dominates, many other diverse and fascinating holidays are celebrated worldwide this month. Discover lesser-known December holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and more! Learn about their origins, traditions, and significance in this comprehensive guide.

Beyond the Christmas Tree: A Diverse December of Holidays

While Christmas undeniably holds a prominent place in December celebrations across the globe, a rich tapestry of other holidays and festivals add to the month's vibrant cultural landscape. This December, let's explore some of the wonderful traditions celebrated alongside the Christmas season. Many offer unique perspectives and opportunities for reflection and celebration.

Religious Observances:

Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)

Dates: Hanukkah's dates vary each year, falling in late November or early December according to the Hebrew calendar. In 2023 it began on December 7th.
Significance: This eight-day Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The miracle of the oil that lasted eight days is central to the celebration.
Traditions: The lighting of the menorah (a nine-branched candelabrum), playing dreidel (a spinning top game), eating traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and family gatherings are all integral parts of Hanukkah.

Las Posadas (The Inns)

Dates: Celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the Southwestern United States from December 16th to 24th.
Significance: A nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, culminating in the Christmas Eve nativity scene.
Traditions: Each night involves a procession, singing of traditional songs (posadas), and asking for shelter (posada). Upon being admitted, participants share food and drinks, symbolizing the hospitality shown to Mary and Joseph.

Yule (Winter Solstice)

Dates: December 21st or 22nd (the winter solstice).
Significance: A pre-Christian celebration marking the shortest day and longest night of the year. It's a time of renewal and rebirth, symbolizing the return of the sun.
Traditions: Celebrations vary greatly depending on cultural background. They often involve bonfires, feasts, and evergreen decorations, reflecting the enduring power of nature. Many of Yule's traditions have influenced modern Christmas celebrations.

Secular Celebrations:

Boxing Day

Dates: December 26th.
Significance: A holiday celebrated in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations. Traditionally, it was a day when servants received "Christmas boxes" (gifts) from their employers.
Traditions: Boxing Day is now often associated with family gatherings, sporting events, and sales. It provides a further opportunity for festive celebrations after Christmas Day.

New Year's Eve

While technically not solely a December holiday, the final days of December build anticipation for the New Year. Many of the preparations and celebrations spill over into the early days of the month. It’s a global occasion that transcends cultural boundaries. The universal themes of reflection, hope, and new beginnings resonate across cultures.

Kwanzaa

Dates: December 26th – January 1st
Significance: A Pan-African cultural celebration that focuses on seven principles (Nguzo Saba): unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Traditions: Celebrations typically include the lighting of the kinara (a seven-branched candle holder), gift-giving, storytelling, and feasts.

Other December Celebrations Around the World:

Many countries boast unique December holidays rooted in local traditions. Research specific regions or cultures to uncover their rich tapestry of winter celebrations.

Conclusion:

December offers a captivating blend of religious and secular celebrations. From the symbolic lighting of the menorah during Hanukkah to the joyous processions of Las Posadas, the month is filled with diverse expressions of faith and cultural identity. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there's a rich array of traditions to discover and appreciate this December. These diverse holidays highlight the richness and beauty of global cultural experiences. Exploring them helps us to understand and appreciate the unique perspectives and values held by various communities around the world.