Every year starting in early November, we are inundated by a peppermint storm known as the Holiday season. This season specifically centers around Christmas in the western world. We know that's not the only holiday around this time, so here's a list of some of the popular December celebrations going on around the world.
1. Christmas
Obviously Christmas is the most popular December holiday in the west. This holiday centers around the birth of Jesus Christ and takes place on December 25th. It is celebrated with gift giving and colorful lights, trees, and decorations. It usually involves getting together with family and large meals.
2. Hanukkah
Or Chanukah, as it is also spelled, is a Jewish holiday that spans eight days. This festival celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt with lighting 8 candles on a Menorah, singing songs, playing games, and exchanging gifts for each day.
3. Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that celebrates African culture in the Americas. It occurs from December 26--January 1st and is celebrated by a feast and gift exchange. The holiday centers around the seven core principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
4. Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a nine day celebration of Catholicism in Mexico, Guatemala, and the Southwestern United States. The holiday is celebrated by a procession moving from house to house with a candle inside a paper lampshade, stopping at each home to sign and pray. Eventually, the procession ends at a home or church, and the celebration continues with caroling, feasting, and pinata breaking!
5. Eid-al-Adha
Eid-al-Adha is the Islamic Feast of the Sacrifice. It honors the willingness of the Prophet Muhammad to sacrifice Ishmael on God's command. The date varies based on the Islamic lunar calendar. In celebration, families dress in their finest clothing to perform prayer in a large congregation or mosque and share a feast with friends, neighbors, and the poor, to ensure that none are without a chance to partake in the holiday.
6. St. Lucia Day
This holiday is celebrated in Sweden and pays tribute to a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith. According to legend, St. Lucia would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome living in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands free to carry supplies. Swedes celebrate the holiday on December 13th by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash round her waist and a crown of candles on her head. Carols are sung and cookies are eaten.
There are far too many celebrations to name this holiday season, but hopefully by learning about a few we will all gain an appreciation for cultures that are not our own, and maybe learn why so many say "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas".
