The December is the happiest month of the year. The month is acknowledged with a variety of events and festivals across the world, including cultural, religious, and corporate celebrations. The December is one of the few months with a wide range of celebrations. People spend time with their family and make plans for the new year. Yule, Hanukkah, and other December holidays are celebrated across the world. After a year marred by the epidemic, many people are looking forward to the December Global Holidays to end the year on a positive note. Let’s look at some of the world’s December Global holidays.
The Following Are The Most Popular December Global Holidays In 2022
1. Hanukkah
Celebration Dates: November 28 – December 6
Category: Religious
Why It Is Celebrated: To commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Where It Is Celebrated: Israel and many Jewish people groups across the world.
The Hanukkah is also recognized as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights. It is an eight-day Jewish festival that begins on the 25th of Kislev, the Hebrew calendar month. The first day of Hanukkah changes yearly according to the Gregorian calendar. This year’s festival will be celebrated between November 28 and December 6. Chanting strange melodies like Ma’oz Tzur and performing the Hallel prayer is also part of the Hanukkah celebration. Oil-dried delicacies such as potato pancakes (commonly recognized as latkes) and jam-filled doughnuts are other common Hanukkah customs (also understood as sufganiyot). Traditionally, the celebrant’s exchange presents and play with dreidels.
2. World AIDS Day
Celebration Date: Thursday, December 1
Category: Health
Why It Is Celebrated: To call attention to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS.
Where It Is Celebrated: Worldwide
The World AIDS Day was established in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter. Bunn and Netter were public information officers for the World Health Organization’s Global Programme on AIDS. The inaugural World AIDS Day was celebrated the following year on December 1, which has remained the official date of the celebration. The purpose of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and honor those harmed or afflicted by the illness. In addition, other means to commemorate the day include visiting orphaned children, financing safe-sex programs, and pushing governments to boost efforts to stem the spread of HIV.
3. Santa Lucia
Celebration Date: Tuesday, December 13
Category: Religious
Why It Is Celebrated: To commemorate Lucia of Syracuse.
Where It Is Celebrated: Scandinavia and Italy
The Santa Lucia was an Italian saint who died as a martyr. Nevertheless, she is seen as a light of hope throughout the year’s darkest months. Sweden acknowledges and honors Santa Lucia as a figure of light and hopes every year on Tuesday, December 13. Meteorological concerts and processions are performed on this historic day, with musicians clad in white and holding headdresses with genuine blazing candles.
4. Yule
Celebration Dates: December 21 – January 1
Category: Pagan
Why It Is Celebrated: To commemorate the Norse god Odin.
Where It Is Celebrated: Germany and various German people groups worldwide.
Yule is also acknowledged as Yuletide. It is a Germanic festival that is observed all over the world. The festival has pagan origins, including connections to the Norse god Odin and the Anglo-Saxon Feast of Modraniht. Yuletide is one of the world’s oldest and most well-known winter holidays, coinciding with the Winter Solstice. Yule was observed by burning a large wood in a bonfire and spending the night outside. Although log burning is practiced today, most people celebrate Yule by creating a Yule altar, making an evergreen Yule wreath, or giving back to Mother Nature. Candlelit dinners, Yule tree ornaments, and exchanging nature-themed presents are all well-known traditions.
5. Festivus
Celebration Date: December 23
Category: Parody
Why It Is Celebrated: To protest Christmas consumerism.
Where It Is Celebrated: All around the world, notably in the United States.
The Festivus is a December global festival that gained prominence in 1997 due to the Seinfeld episode “The Strike.” The purpose of this fictitious holiday is to raise awareness about Christmas consumerism. Instead of purchasing an expensive Christmas tree, Festivus is celebrated by gathering around a simple aluminum pole. The Festivus customs include “feats of strength” and “airing of grievances.” Some detractors have pushed Festivus enthusiasts, labeling them anti-traditionalists with erroneous beliefs about Christmas and its origins. On the other hand, the vacation has grown in popularity, particularly among budget spenders and minimalists.
6. Christmas
Celebration Date: December 25
Category: Religious
Why It Is Celebrated: To celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Where It Is Celebrated: Worldwide
Without question, the most popular December holiday is Christmas. The holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe was sent to save humanity from sin. Christmas differs from most religious celebrations in that it is generally observed, even by non-Christians. It’s important to note that the exact date of Jesus’ birth is uncertain. Christmas was chosen because it matched the winter solstice on the Roman calendar. In many countries, Christmas is celebrated as a cultural rather than a religious celebration. There are several ways to celebrate the event, such as by presenting Santa Claus or Father Christmas with gifts. Many attend Church services on Christmas Day, with some opting for a full-fledged holiday.
7. Boxing Day
Celebration Date: December 26
Category: General
Why It Is Celebrated: Symbolism differs
Where It Is Celebrated: Worldwide
There has always been disagreement about how Boxing Day came to be and how it should be observed. Some believe this was a regular day when churches distributed donation boxes to the following poor Christmas. Others regard Boxing Day as the day to express gratitude to duty boys, postal carriers, and other assistants for their efforts throughout the year. Despite its historical significance, Boxing Day remains one of the most popular December holidays. Many countries worldwide have declared the date a public holiday, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Boxing Day is typically celebrated in these countries through athletic activities.
8. Kwanzaa
Celebration Dates: December 26 – January 1
Category: Cultural
Why It Is Celebrated: To preserve some African characteristics.
Where It Is Celebrated: All around the world, notably in the United States.
The Kwanzaa is an African-inspired December festival that is mostly celebrated in the United States. Dr. Maulana Karenga established the day in 1966 in the aftermath of the Watts riots in Los Angeles, California. Kwanzaa is an abbreviated version of the Swahili word kwanza, which means “first.” The term “matunda ya kwanza” comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” Kwanzaa is frequently celebrated by displaying traditional African music and dances. Poetry is also read, stories are told, and diverse African societal views are discussed.
9. New Year’s Eve
Celebration Date: Every Year, December 31
Category: General
Why It Is Celebrated: To mark the end of the year.
Where It Is Celebrated: Worldwide
The final December festival on our list is also the last day of the month. New Year’s Eve celebrates the end of the previous year and the start of the new one. This day can be celebrated in a variety of ways. Well, most religious people visit their places of worship to thank God for another year’s blessings. People celebrate New Year’s Eve at cafés, restaurants, and other social settings. The party generally peaks around midnight, when exuberant yells, singing, and fireworks fill the air.
Popular December Global Holidays List by Date
1st December – United Arab Emirates (National Day)
4th December – Ghana (Farmer’s Day)
6th December – Finland (Independence Day), Spain (Constitution Day)
7th December – Thailand (King Bhumibol’s Birthday)
10th December – Thailand (Constitution Day)
12th December – Mexico (The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe)
13th December – Malta (Republic day)
16th December – Bangladesh (Victory Day), South Africa (Day of Reconciliation)
18th December – Qatar (National Day)
24th December – Christmas Eve, Libya (Independence Day)
25th December – Christmas Day, Pakistan (Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah)
26th December – Various Countries (Boxing Day), Slovenia (Independence and Unity Day)
29th December – Sri Lanka (Unduvap Full Moon Poya)
30th December – Philippines (Rizal Day)
31st December – Various Countries (New Year’s Eve)
Furthermore, we discovered that there are other national holidays observed internationally in various countries, such as,
On December 1, 2022,
Central African Republic: Republic Day
Chad: Freedom and Democracy Day
India (regional): State Inauguration Day
India (regional): Indigenous Faith Day
Kazakhstan: First President’s Day
Portugal: Restoration of Independence
Romania: National Day
United Arab Emirates: Commemoration Day
On December 2, 2022,
Sint Eustatius, Bonaire and Saba (regional): Saba Day
Ghana: Farmer’s Day
India (regional): Asom Divas
Lao: National Day
United Arab Emirates: National Day
On December 3, 2022,
India (regional): World Disabled Day
Spain (regional): Feast of St. Francis Xavier
United Arab Emirates: National Day
On December 5, 2022,
Costa Rica: Army Abolition Day
Thailand: King Bhumibol’s Birthday
Thailand: Father’s Day Tonga: Tupou I Day
On December 6, 2022,
International: Feast of St. Nicholas
Ecuador (regional): Foundation of Quito Day
Finland: Independence Day
Spain: Constitution Day
On December 7, 2022,
East Timor: Memorial Day
Italy (regional): Feast of St. Ambrose
Nepal: Udhauli Parva
Sri Lanka: Unduvap Full Moon Poya
On December 8, 2022,
International: Immaculate Conception Day
Albania: Albanian National Youth Day
Guam: Santa Marian Kamalen Day
North Macedonia: St. Clement of Ohrid
Panama: Panama Mother’s Day
Uzbekistan: Constitution Day
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Conclusion:
Several December global holidays help you end the year on a high note and in style. Remember that December is not just a month for getting oneself the most fun things in life. It’s also a good time to appreciate individuals who have made the end of the year worthwhile by showering them with appropriate blessings.
