Undoubtedly, it is December that includes countless ceremonies and events around the globe. With winter just around the corner, it is time for us to bring out the warm clothes and party hats. In case you are wondering, apart from just Christmas, December has many other festivals from different cultures. There are several December Global holidays that you can participate in without a worry.
Therefore, We Have Accumulated A List Of Seven December Global Holidays So That You Can Keep The Party Going….
December is the last month of the year which requires enjoyment from the end. Moreover, in many cultures, there are several holidays that people, irrespective of their background, are celebrating. Nonetheless, these global holidays are enough of a reason for you to keep the party going for one month long. December is a month full of multicultural celebrations. Hence, the name “world of holidays” has been chosen for the last month of the year. So without further ado, let’s begin.
1. Christmas
In the Christian faith, we know Christmas to be a historical celebration. It applauds the north of Jesus Christ. Whether one chooses to enjoy it for religious reasons or solely as a cultural point, it has become an active part of the community around the globe.
People around the globe tend to enjoy the Christmas tradition around the globe. Although Americans enjoy it with Christmas trees. They also have a notion that Santa Claus visits them from the north pole and showers them with gifts.
Even the factor that the landscape may be snowy is something they anticipate at this time. However, in Australia, Christmas falls during summer. That is why Australians tend to go camping, or to the beach over the holiday.
Some even decorate the “Christmas bush” with flowers. The tradition of Christmas is very different in other parts of the world. Nonetheless, the fact that everyone wants to celebrate is similar.
2. Hannukah
Hanukkah or sometimes called Chanukah is an eight-day Jewish celebration. It starts the re-dedication of the second temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean revolt. Many took part in this process.
They believe that they will witness a miracle taking place. Even though there was only a bit of the untainted oil to keep the menorah’s candles going. They think that the flames will continue to burn for more than that.
They think that the flames will burn for eight nights. Because the festival is very much focused on light, people have come to know it as the festival of lights as well. Hanukkah starts on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar.
The celebration revolves around the lighting of the menorah. The rule follows that one has to light candles each of the holiday’s eight nights. The ninth candle is Shamash or the helper. The Shamash is the one that people use to light the other eight candles.
3. Kwanzaa
Dr. Maulana Karenga invented Kwanzaa in 1966 after the Watts riots in Los Angeles. He founded the US which is a cultural organization. He started to research the African first fruit celebration.
From there, he also mixed the aspect of several different harvest celebrations to form the base of the event that we know as Kwanzaa. The meaning of the name comes from the phrase Matunda ya Kwanza. In other words, it signifies the first fruits in Swahili.
Each family has its way of celebration. But often the event includes songs and dances. Most of the time they also include a large traditional meal, storytelling, poetry reading, a large traditional meal as well.
4. Boxing Day
Boxing Day takes place on December 26th. Although only a few countries celebrate the event, it has become famous among the socialists as well.
It was the day when people opened the alms box and collection box for the poor. People then distributed the content of the boxes to the poor. Since then, it has become an event that many take part in.
Although famous in the United Kingdom, many from around the globe tend to participate in it. It is also the day when servants take off from their working place to celebrate Christmas with their family.
Currently, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries celebrate boxing day.
5. Ōmisoka
A Japanese version of New Year’s Eve, it is the second-most important day in Japanese tradition. It is the final day of the old year which Usher’s the eve of New Year.
On this day the family members tend to celebrate together by eating either a bowl of Toshi Koshi-soba or Toshi Koshi-udon. Although this has become a tradition. The meaning of this is that eating long noodles will help crossover from one year to the next.
At midnight, many even tend to visit shrines or even temples for Hatsumōde. The shrines even prepare amazake to give out to crowds. The celebration has brought many closers.
6. Three Kings Day
If you think that the fun ends at the end of the twelve days of Christmas, then you are wrong. After the twelfth day comes a day called the epiphany or the Three Kings Day. This holiday celebrates the three wise men who spotted the baby Jesus first.
They even gave him gifts. On this day, people in Spain give children many gifts. However, in Puerto Rico, the children get gifts. The kids leave a box with hay under their beds on January 5th. They believe that the kings will leave good presents for the children.
7. St. Nicholas Day
Another popular holiday that many celebrate in Europe. St. Nicholas day normally celebrates the presence of St. Nicholas of Myra. He is the man whose life inspired the concept of Santa Claus and Father Christmas.
Rumour has it that he gave all of his money to those who needed it. Moreover, he showed great compassion for the children and all those in need. The holiday honors him on his death anniversary which is December 6.
Ending note:
It is okay if you still have not started enjoying such festivals. Because it is never too late to have fun. Start participating in these December Global Holidays now.
Also Read: Best Place To Holiday in USA
