With the holidays only a few weeks away, I felt it was important to address some of the many different holidays around the world that happen in December.

1. Christmas- One that I personally celebrate and occurs all over but mostly, in America and Britain. Christmas, also known as Xmas or Noël is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. This happens on December 24- Christmas Eve and December 25th- Christmas day. Traditions to this holiday include: a Christmas tree, mistletoe, stockings, etc. Another huge tradition surrounding this holiday is Santa Clause who is known to bring presents to children all around the world on Christmas Eve to be enjoyed on Christmas day.  

2. Hanukkah- This holiday most commonly occurs in Jerusalem, Israel, however it is also celebrated all over the world. It begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar but in America it is known to us for beginning in December. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is a rededication during the second century B.C. of the second temple in Jerusalem. The celebration itself revolves around the lighting of a nine branched menorah. Each night of the holiday after sundown another candle is lit. There are eight candles to be lit with the ninth acting as a “helper” candle to light the others.  Some traditions of this holiday include: playing with dreidels, exchanging gifts, etc. 

3. Kwanzaa- This holiday is celebrated in Africa and within most African cultures. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga after the Watts riots in Los Angeles. Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili. Which goes along with the feast known as Karamu, which is held on December 31st. On each of the seven nights of this holiday families will gather and a child will light a candle on the Kinara. Then one of the seven principles of African culture will be discussed. Some traditions to this holiday include: dance, songs, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large meal. 

While there are many other holidays in December that could be celebrated all around the world. These were some that I found fascinating and thought they were important to shed light on. Also to prove that no matter what you celebrate this holiday season, everyone is equal and we all deserve a joyful season.