The Most Wonderful Time of Year

Holidays Celebrated in December Around the World

The+Most+Wonderful+Time+of+Year

Keanna Limes

Although many of us associate December and the holiday season with Christmas, it is not the only holiday in December. There are thousands of different celebrations throughout the world in different cultures and religions and many of them fall into December, naturally making it the designated holiday season all around the world. 

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week long African holiday celebrated on December 26th- January 1st. It is held to honor the African heritage in America. It is a gift giving and feast having holiday.  It co-sisters of 7 core values, Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Nia, Imani, and, Ujaama.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah, or Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the reduction of the second temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt. It’s an eight day celebration starting on the 25th day of Kislev. A candle is lit every day of the holiday to represent how the small band of Jewish believers, led by Judah the Maccabee, were able to light the menorah of their temple for eight days with only a day’s worth of oil.

Boxing day

Boxing Day is a British holiday held on December 26th. It was originally created as a day to give gifts to the household staff of Britain’s upper classes, but has naturally morphed into a sort of commercialized shopping holiday of its own. In fact, it’s one of the most popular days in Britain to return unwanted Christmas gifts to the stores. 

With that said, remember December isn’t the only Christmas season, there are many other holidays being celebrated throughout the world all month long. 

So happy all-the-holidays, and have a good winter break!