Holidays in December

Everyone knows about Christmas: it is the second most celebrated holiday. New Year’s Eve is reportedly the number one celebrated holiday. However, do you know about other holidays in December? People who only celebrate one holiday do not know about other holidays and traditions. Here are a few holidays that people might not know about or may vaguely remember: 

St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day celebrates Saint Nicholas on December 6th. Saint Nicholas was the 4th century bishop of Myra and was known for his acts of kindness. Usually, children would be greeted with presents in different places in the morning. The children would also get special treats such as oranges, chocolate coins, and candy canes. 

St. Lucia’s Day 

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13th. The holiday celebrates St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who was killed by Romans in 304 C.E. because of her beliefs. There is a festival on the holiday that is lead by the nominated St. Lucia and followed by children who wear white outfits and sing traditional songs. At home, the oldest daughter dresses in white and serves coffee and baked goods to the family and visitors. 

Winter Solstice 

The Winter Solstice is celebrated on two different dates depending on the position of the sun. When the sun is farthest south in the Northern Hemisphere, it might be celebrated on December 21st or 22nd. And when the sun is farthest north in the Southern Hemisphere which is could be on June 20th or 21st. On the winter solstice there is less daytime and more nighttime. 

Hanukkah 

Hanukkah is celebrated from December 11th to December 18th. Hanukkah was celebrated for the victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a king who invaded Judaea and tried to convert Jews to Greek mythology. The celebration revolves around the nine-branched menorah. It is said that the menorah was lighted and continued burning for eight whole days. On each of the holiday’s nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; they would use the ninth candle to light the others and would recite blessings. Other traditions in Hanukkah include eating fried food cooked in oil, play with a four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchange gifts. 

Kwanzaa 

Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days from December 26th to January 1st. On each of night, the family gathers around the Kinara, the candle holder, and the children light the candle and then discuss one of their seven principles. The seven principles include: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. 

Boxing Day 

Boxing Day  is celebrated on December 26th. The holiday celebrates with shopping and sporting events after Christmas. It was originally a holiday where servants, tradespeople, and the poor were presented with gifts. 

Hogmanay 

Hogmanay is celebrated on December 31st. Traditionally, people go house to house saying traditional rhymes and in exchange would be gifted with food.  

Christmas 

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the lord and savior of sins. Most people who celebrate the holiday have different ways of celebrating Christmas, for example, they would open one present on Christmas Eve or they would go to church on Christmas.  

These are most of the holidays celebrated in December. Happy Holidays to everyone!