December holds many recognized holiday celebrations. One of the most recognized is Christmas, celebrated on December 25. For Christians, this holiday marks the birth of the last true prophet sent by God.
This month, we are also highlighting two additional holidays and their origins. Finally, we found a few fun December holidays sure to make you smile.
Hanukkah – December 25 - January 2
Hanukkah is Hebrew and means “dedication.” Hanukkah is the celebration of lights. This eight-day Jewish festival traditionally begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev, on the Hebrew calendar.
The core ritual of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, or hanukkiah. The nine-stemmed menorah is lit each evening of the holiday after sunset. One candle is added each additional night. Before lighting the candles each night, a series of blessings are recited.
It is customary to place the menorah in a window or other publicly visible location. This placement fulfills the custom of publicizing the miracle in which a jar with only enough oil for one night burned for eight in the ancient Temple.
Kwanza – December 26 through January 1
Kwanza is an African American and pan-African holiday celebrating family, community, and culture. Pan-African relates to all people of African birth or descent. This holiday was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African Studies.
Kwanza is a seven-day cultural festival. During this holiday, families and communities organize activities around the Seven Principles:
- Umoja – Unity
- Kukichagulia – Self Determination
- Ujima – Collective work and responsibility
- Ujamaa – Cooperative economics
- Nia – Purpose
- Kuumba – Creativity
- Imani – Faith.
The seven candles of Kwanzaa - in red, black and green - represent the seven Principles. The one black candle symbolizes the people themselves; the three red candles represent the struggle or bloodshed in the past. The three green candles represent the Earth or the abundance of possibilities the future holds.
Additional December Holidays and Observances
Below are a few December holidays you may not be as familiar with. This month, spend time with family and friends enjoying these one-day celebrations.
- December 5 – National Blue Jeans Day
- December 6 – National Microwave Day
- December 8 – National Brownie Day
- December 9 – National Pastry Day
- December 12 – Gingerbread House Day
- December 15 – National Cupcake Day
- December 20 – National Sangria Day
The holiday season is a time to connect with family and friends. It is a time to be with those you hold close to your heart. A time to listen to each other, to celebrate the different perspectives each one brings, and to share your collective hopes and dreams for the future. It is a time to focus on the love you have for each other. To focus on the strength diversity brings to your family, your friends, your community and to our world. The remembrance that we are all so much more alike than we are different. What a grateful way to celebrate!
PSL appreciates the richness the residents, their families, and team members bring to our communities every day. This richness helps build a tapestry of many colors and patterns that make each community unique and special.
We wish you blessings and peace this holiday season!
