A Month of Holidays

Following up on my last post, I felt like it was good to mark our calendars. December is known by many as the month of Christmas and Hanukkah. But it's a month of much more than that when it comes to the many global, cultural, religious, and heart-centered holidays. 

In this season of giving, sharing, caring, and peace, it's good to know how full this season is for all. Click here for a bigger version.

Here are some brief snippets about some of the holidays that may be lesser known:

❄️ St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6th): Historically from the legend of bishop St. Nicholas, children in parts of Europe leave out shoes or boots to be filled with small gifts and treats, reminding families of secret kindness and the origins of Santa Claus.

❄️ Bodhi Day (Dec. 8): Celebrated by Buddhists worldwide, Bodhi Day honors the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi tree, and is a day of meditation, study, and acts of kindness.

❄️ St. Lucia Day (Dec. 13): Especially popular in Sweden and Scandinavia, St. Lucia Day features processions of children dressed in white with wreaths atop their head, the singing of songs, and the sharing of baked goods, symbolizing hope and light in the darkest time of year.

❄️ Las Posadas (Dec. 16th-24th): Celebrated by Catholic, Mexico and Latin Americans, this holiday re-enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph, with nightly processions and communal hospitality reflecting unity and compassion.

❄️ Yule (a Pagan-Wiccan holiday) and Winter Solstice (Dec. 21st): Marking the shortest day of the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, and the return of the sun, with festivals of light, reflection, and hope for new beginnings.

❄️ Pancha Ganapati (Dec. 21st -- 25th): A five-day Hindu festival of family harmony, forgiveness, and renewal centered on Lord Ganesha.

❄️ Festivus (Dec. 23rd): Popularized by the show "Seinfeld," Festivus is a lighthearted, secular holiday that features quirky traditions like the "Airing of Grievances" and feats of strength. 

❄️ Jólabókaflóð (Dec. 24th): An Icelandic tradition that celebrates love and togetherness by exchanging books and reading with family.

❄️ Boxing Day (Dec. 26th): Traditionally celebrated in the UK, Canada, and Australia, Boxing Day began as a time to give gifts or charity to service workers and those in need, and today it’s most often marked by shopping, community donations, and sporting events.

❄️ Kwanzaa (Dec. 26th-31st): A celebration of African heritage, unity, creativity, and collective hope for a better world.

❄️ Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (Dec. 28th) A Sikh celebration honoring the Sikh leader’s teachings of equality, service, and peace.

❄️ Omisoka (Dec. 31st): Japanese New Year’s Eve, which is focused on family, home cleansing, sharing meals, and peaceful beginnings.

Calendar created at Canva.com.