Christmas gets a good chunk of the movies & most of the holiday themed music. But it is not the only game in town!
Kwanzaa & Hanukkah are the most obvious holidays that also happen in December. This year, Kwanzaa runs December 26th to January 1st, while Hanukkah runs December 18th to 26th.
If you like to celebrate for a week but don't want something mainstream, there is also Yule. It runs December 21st through January 1st this year and tends to be the celebration chosen by Wiccans & Neo-Pagans. Yule also happens to be the originator of the traditional Yule log. (So, thank you Wiccans!)
For one & done types of holidays in the month of December, there are: The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Bohdi Day, the Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe, Winter Solstice, & Festivus.
The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic holiday, celebrated on December 8th. It pays tribute to the Virgin Mary & is a Catholic holiday. Bohdi Day is also on December 8th & celebrates the day that Buddha reached enlightenment.
The Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe is celebrated by Mexicans & Mexican-Americans, honoring the patron saint of Mexico. (She also symbolizes devotion & patriotism.) This holiday is held on December 12th & is marked by festivals.
The Winter Solstice is December 21st & marks the shortest day of the year. It is a Pagan holiday celebrated with bonfires but it is celebrated by others throughout the world. Scandanavia uses it as an opportunity to celebrate St. Lucia's feast day with a celebration of lights - girls wear wreaths with candles on their heads & bonfires are lit. In Japan, it is celebrated as Toji - an opportunity to start the New Year off with health & good luck. The winter solstice signifies the beginning of the year in Hopi & Zuni tribes, leading to fires & dancing. (The Winter solstice is also a primo star gazing opportunity.)
Festivus is on December 23rd. Originally referenced on an episode of Seinfeld, where the originally fake tradition featured a Festivus Pole, annual airing of grievances, & feats of strength. Over the years, Festivus has gained a bit of traction in the wider world.
At the end of the day, it is the end of the year. We all are celebrating getting through another one, spending time with family, & reflecting on the things that matter - whether it is an attempt to reach enlightenment, the airing of this year's grievances, or saying a little prayer. Holidays are simultaneously similar & unique. We all bring our own unique practices to the celebrations. So bring out the Christmas tree, the Festivus pole, & the yule log; turn on the lights the lights (whether they are a Menorah, Kwanzaa candles, twinkle lights, or a backyard bonfire); eat, drink, & be merry. Most importantly, hug your loved ones this holiday season.
Regardless of what you are celebrating, Happy Holidays!!