The spirit of Christmas is in the air, but only for those who celebrate it.
The month of December is famous for its red and green cheers, but there are plenty of other celebrations that take place. Some of the most important include Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Hanukkah is celebrated from December 18-26 this year. The Jewish holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the Jewish ancestors who rededicated the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. They lit a menorah with enough oil to last a day, but it miraculously burned for eight. This is symbolized by the eight candles of a menorah.
Kwanzaa is an African holiday celebrated between December 26 and January 1. Kwanzaa celebrations can vary from family to family, but are based on seven principles, also known as Nguzo Saba. These principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
The holiday was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. He made the holiday an effort to bring the African-American community together.
While there are plenty of holidays, there are other events that take place in December.
Dressember is an event that raises awareness about human trafficking. Participants wear dresses every day during the month of December to show their solidarity in anti-trafficking efforts.
The event was started in 2009 by Blythe Hill who wanted to create change with her skills as a blogger and fashion lover. Her idea behind the movement was to create awareness and it stands on the pillars of prevention, advocacy, intervention and survivor empowerment.
There are also plenty of national days that take place in December.
Rosa Parks Day, National Women Support Women Day and National Fall Peppermint Day on December 1st.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on December 3 and is an event endorsed by the United Nations.
National Pearl Harbor Memorial Day is on December 7th, honoring those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor 81 years ago.
December is also recognized as Universal Human Rights Month and World AIDS/HIV Awareness Month, among others.
National Bouillabaisse Day is on December 14, in honor of the French fish stew.
December 18th is Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day and December 27th is National Fruitcake Day.
All events end on December 31st with New Year’s Eve. Lots of other fun national days are recognized throughout the month.
For more information about the holidays and events taking place in December, you can visit this link.