December is undoubtedly the most joyous month. Around the world, religious, cultural, and even corporate gatherings and celebrations honour the month. This article discusses the significance of the top seven December global holidays.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah begins on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev, also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, and lasts for eight days. Hanukkah’s commencement time varies from year to year due to the Gregorian calendar. This year’s festival takes place from November 28 to December 6, with tickets going on sale on October 1.
A day to commemorate the Maccabean Revolt and the Second Temple’s rededication. As a mark of respect, candles are lit every night for the next eight days. Songs like Maoz Tzur and the Hallel prayer are dedicated to Hannukah. Oil-dried foods, such as potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled doughnuts, are also popular among many people (also known as sufganiyot). Gifts and dreidels are also exchanged among celebrants.
AIDS Day
In August of that year, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter came up with the concept of World AIDS Day. Bunn and Netter were in charge of WHO’s Global AIDS Program’s public relations at the time. Next year, December 1 was designated as World AIDS Day officially as a result of the observance.
To raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and memorialise those who have been afflicted, the day is known as World AIDS Day (WAD). Pay a visit to HIV orphaned children, support safe sex programmes, and urge governments to step up their efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Santa Lucia
Lucia was an Italian saint who died on the cross for her faith. She is a brightness in the darkest months of the year. On December 13th, Sweden honours and celebrates Santa Lucia. Vocalists don white outfits and candle-adorned headdresses to celebrate this holiday every year.
Yule
Yule, often called Yuletide, is a Germanic holiday celebrated all over the world. Some examples are Odin, the Norse god, and Modraniht, an Anglo-Saxon celebration. Yuletide, which coincides with the Winter Solstice, is one of the world’s oldest and most popular winter celebrations.
Yule was traditionally celebrated with a big bonfire and a long night spent outside in the fresh air. To this day, some individuals keep the tradition of log burning alive, but most prefer to make a Yule altar or a Yule wreath out of evergreens instead. Candlelight dinners, Yule tree decorations, and gifts derived from nature are all commonplace during the holiday season.
Festivus
Festivus is a December global holidays made famous by the 1997 Seinfeld episode “The Strike.” This satirical festival is intended to ridicule Christmas consumerism. Rather than an extravagant Christmas tree, Festivus is marked with an unadorned aluminium pole. Other examples include “strength feats” and “venting complaints.”
According to some observers, Festivus fans are anti-traditionalists with unreasonable expectations of Christmas. The holiday has grown in popularity among frugal shoppers and minimalists.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day has long been a source of contention. According to some, this was the day after Christmas when churches distributed charity boxes to the poor. Others say that Boxing Day should be used to express gratitude to errand boys, letter carriers, and other servants for their year-round efforts.
Whatever its origins, Boxing Day is a typical December holiday. Numerous countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, have declared a national holiday in honour of the day. In these countries, Boxing Day is typically marked with sporting events.
