Holiday Celebrations Across the World

December is a very busy time. When I think of December, as well as many other people, my mind automatically thinks Christmas. However, there are many other holidays that are celebrated in December: 

Saint Nicholas Day is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 6. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the third-century saint who sold all his belongings in order to give money to the poor. St. Nicholas dedicated his whole life to serving the sick and suffering. Traditions of St. Nicholas Day include leaving gifts in stockings and exchanging small gifts. However, it is not the same as Christmas. 

Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Mexican holiday celebrated on December 12. The holiday honors the belief that Jesus’ mother Mary actually appeared in Mexico City twice. Citizens honor her by celebrating and holding fiestas. The Lady of Guadalupe is a big symbol of devotion, identity, and patrirom and inspires many people.  

St. Lucia Day is a Swedish holiday celebrated on December 13. It is held to honor St. Lucy, a Christian martyr killed by the Romans due to her religious beliefs. St. Lucia is now celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash round her waist and a crown of candles on her head. 

Hanukkah is a Jewish festival celebrated December 22 through December 30. The celebration commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. During the eight days of the holiday, a candle placed on a menorah is lit. Traditions include lighting the menorah, playing the dreidel game, eating gelt, cooking and baking delicious food, and enjoying the fun of Hanukkah gifts.

Three Kings Day/Epiphany is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6. This holiday celebrates the revelation of God incarnate as Christ. Children celebrate Three Kings‘ Day by receiving gifts.  Children in Spain and Latin America are instructed to leave their shoes by the door of their house so the three kings can come and leave them presents.

Boxing Day is an English holiday celebrated on December 26. It is also celebrated in Australia, Canada, and Ireland. It was traditionally a day off for servants. It got the name “Boxing Day” because as the servants prepared to leave, they were presented with gift boxes from their employers. 

Kwanzaa is an  African-American holiday celebrated December 26 through January 1.  It honors African Heritage. The celebration consists of feasts and gift-giving. Families that celebrate Kwanzaa all do it  in different ways. However, festivities usually involve dancing, singing, gifts and a large feast. Those celebrating the festival will often decorate their houses with fruits, a black, red and green flag, and a Kinara

Omisoka is a Japanese holiday celebrated on December 31. This is a holiday is a celebration but also considered a spiritual holiday for most. On this holiday, those who celebrate use this day to purify their homes and declutter everything they have gained through the past year. 

Yule is a Pagan holiday celebrated December 22 through January 2. Yule is celebrated by gatherings that consist of feasts and gift-giving. Many have connected the original celebrations of Yule to the Wild Hunt, the god Odin, and the pagan Anglo-Saxon Mōdraniht.

Happy Holidays to all, no matter how it is celebrated!