December is undoubtedly one of the joyous months of the year to celebrate global holidays. Around the world, December is honoured with a wide range of activities along with festivals.
This includes religious, corporate and cultural events. The importance of the month is known worldwide which is why schools and colleges also remain closed during this time.
It gives a great opportunity to all to spend some quality time with their loved ones. December being the last month of the year is another reason why people like to have a blast.
Moreover, this article explores the top seven most iconic December holidays around the world and their symbolism.
Yule
Starting with one of the most renowned December global holidays that is celebrated worldwide called Yule or Yuletide. It starts on December 21st and ends on the 1st of January.
The festival is celebrated mainly in Germany and the German countries to pay a tribute to the Norse God named Odin.
This festival has its roots connected back not only to the Norse God Odin but also to the Anglo Saxon festival of Modraniht.
Moreover, the Yule falls during the winter solstice which makes it older as well as the most renowned festival of all times.
Now you must be thinking about how Yule is celebrated.
Well, the festival is celebrated by lighting a huge bonfire where the people spend their nights staying out of their houses. People also have candle night dinners and decorate their yards or gardens with lights.
Besides that, people also exchange gifts with each other. However, this festival is also marked as a Yule Altar by the people who also offer flowers to Mother Nature.
Boxing Day
The next name on the list of December holidays around the world is Boxing Day. It is celebrated on the 26th of December and is celebrated in just a number of countries. This festival Boxing Day comes from the medieval times of the United Kingdom.
It is celebrated remembering the day when all boxes were opened and distributed among the poor people. Moreover, it has now become a public holiday in Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.
Not to mention, England celebrates this December global holiday grandly and which is why soccer and horse races are held. The day is also considered as the one where gifts are given to boys, postmen and other servicemen as an act of appreciation.
The New Year’s Eve
One of the largest December global holidays is of course New Year’s Eve which is celebrated on the 31st of December. The day is also known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day in many places.
However, the main purpose behind celebrating this day is marking the end of the old year and ushering in the new one. People celebrate this day according to their wishes, starting from the prayers to the parties everything is done on this special day.
Some may even exchange gifts whereas others might visit restaurants or go on for a long drive all night. Moreover, in Spanish countries, people bold down dozens of grapes which symbolizes their hopes and fortunes for the incoming year.
Festivus
Here comes a popular festival of December holidays around the world called Festivus which is celebrated on the 23rd in the USA. This is not actually a real festival but is celebrated by the ones who tend to be against Christmas consumerism.
It was not very popular until the episode of Seinfeld show “The Strike” came in the year 1997. Moreover, the main purpose behind celebrating this festival is to mark the end of the expensive shopping done for Christmas.
Thus, some of the other popular Festivus customs include feats of strength and airing of grievances. Earlier it was criticized but now the festival has been accepted by the majority of people.
Christmas
Unarguably the most common and well known December global holiday which is celebrated everywhere is Christmas.
This religious festival marks the birth of Jesus Christ whom the Christians believe to be the prophet sent by God to save humanity. Although to inform you, the real date of Jesus Christ’s birth is not known.
The date was picked because it corresponded with the winter solstice according to the Roman Calendar. Moreover, this festival is celebrated as a December holiday around the world by non-Christians as well.
People wear new clothes, meet each other, have meals together and exchange gifts too. Besides that, people also attend church services on this day with their families and friends.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah happens to be a well known religious December global holiday that generally starts from November 28th and ends on the 6th of December. It is celebrated marking the rededication towards the second temple in Jerusalem.
The festival is usually celebrated by Israel and different Jewish communities as a religious holiday and December Holidays around the World.
Other names given to this festival include Chanukah or the Festival of lights. The believers sing special songs on this day and also recite the Hallel prayers.
Besides that, people follow other traditions on this day including eating oil-dried food like potato chips, pancakes etc. Lastly, people also exchange gifts with each other.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is celebrated everywhere on the 1st of December and it happens to be one of the December global holidays. This day was started by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter in the year 1987.
Earlier the festival was not known by many but today it is celebrated almost everywhere to bring awareness about AIDS.
People who are infected by this disease are encouraged to talk about and people are educated to follow safe sex.
Be a part of Globalization…
This was to remind you that December is not just a month but comes with so many joyous and knowledgeable opportunities to treat yourself to better things in life. Those who want to make their life worth living as the year ends, should not miss being a part of these festivals, and spend a great December Holiday around the world!