There are a variety of holidays that occur in December worldwide. One of the most well-known is Christmas, which Christians celebrate on December 25th. Christmas is a religious holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Families often get together to celebrate Christmas with a traditional meal and gift-giving.
Another major holiday celebrated in December is Hanukkah, which is observed by Jews and celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.
Hanukkah lasts for eight days and nights, and during this time, participants light candles on a Menorah each night. Other December holidays include Kwanzaa, which celebrates African-American culture and heritage, and Yule, a pagan winter celebration.
The December Holidays Around the World
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated all around the world with different customs and traditions. In the United States, Christmas is a time for family, friends, gift-giving, and religious ceremonies. Decorations such as Christmas trees and wreaths are popular during December. Many people also enjoy singing Christmas carols. In addition, families often gather to eat special meals like ham or turkey. In Europe, Christmas is a more religious holiday. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.
Some European countries like Germany have elaborate nativity scenes with figurines representing the story of Jesus’ birth. Countries in Latin America also celebrate Christmas with traditional foods and music. One popular tradition is Los Posados, where people reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. No matter where in the world you are, it’s hard to miss the excitement surrounding Christmas!.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated in December. It commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews’ victory over the Syrian Greeks in 165 B.C.E. Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the miracle of a day’s worth of oil lasting for eight days. Hanukkah menorah candles are lit each night, and special foods are eaten.
The Hanukkah story is told in the book of Maccabees, which is part of the Catholic Bible. The story also appears in the Talmud, a collection of Jewish oral law and stories. Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews worldwide, but it has different meanings for different people.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a seven-day holiday that celebrates African heritage and culture. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of black studies at California State University, Long Beach. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.
During Kwanzaa, participants light candles on a Kinara, or candelabra, and read passages from the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Black Power. These principles include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of these principles.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated on December 26th. The day is named after the practice of giving boxes of gifts and money to servants and the poor. Boxing Day is celebrated in many Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, Boxing Day is not a federal holiday, but it is celebrated in some states. In addition, the day is a popular shopping day in many countries.
Ōmisoka
Miska (未曾有) is a Japanese word that refers to the last day of the year. Translated, it means “never before.” This special day is significant because it’s the last chance for people to make resolutions and start fresh in the new year.
Miska is celebrated differently in different countries. In Japan, people typically spend time with family and friends, reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the coming one. Many people also take this opportunity to visit the graves of loved ones and pay their respects.
In China, Hisoka is considered a time to clean out the old and make way for the new. As a result, people often discard things they no longer need and make plans to improve their lives in the coming year.
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