The Festivities of December
The Skinsmith | 18th December 2023
Photo Credits: WeAreTeachers and DeseretNews
We truly hope that you will get to enjoy this very festive month, as we know it can be a time of great joy and celebration, but also understand that it can be a difficult time of year for others.
We wanted to celebrate the variety of holidays and observances that are enjoyed globally throughout December, although we may miss a few we hope whatever your festive fun includes, it sparks new memories and big smiles.
Decembers Notable Dates Include:
Around the 5th or 6th December, we start off with St Nicholas Day, otherwise known as the Feast of St Nicholas, it celebrates the birth of this gift giving saint who stemmed the tradition of Santa Claus.
December 8th has two notable celebrations the Immaculate Conception of Mary and Bohdi Day or Rohatsu. Catholics celebrate the Virgin Mary believed to have been born without original sin and Bhuddists honour the day Bhudda, Siddartha Gautauma achieved enlightenment.
December the 12th brings a South American vibe with Feast Day of our Lady Guadalupe, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans celebrate this patron saint of Mexico who symbolised devotion and patriotism.
Hanukkah begins on the 18th December, an eight day Jewish holiday and celebrates the Festival of Lights where a Menorah with nine stems symbolises how one day’s worth of oil miraculously lasted for eight days during a battle in 165BC with a powerful Greek-Syrian army where the Holy Temple in Jerusalem emerged victorious.
Photo Credit: WorldStrides
Yule is a Wiccan and Neo-Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice and goes from the 21st to the 1st January. It marks the shortest day and longest night with yule celebrating the re-emergence of the sun as the days start to grow longer again. There is a common tradition of burning a yule log which is thought to have come from the Scandinavian Norse festival where it was first celebrated. The yule log has now become a part of the Christmas tradition too.
Christmas starts on Christmas Eve, December 24th and ends on St Stephens Day or Boxing Day. Many Christians and non-Christians celebrate with family and friends and enjoy the Feast of the Nativity.
December 26th brings many celebrations, Boxing Day, Zarathosht Diso, the start of Kwanzaa and the end of Hanukkah.
Boxing Day was started by Queen Victoria to give everyone an extra day off, whilst Zarathosht Diso honours the death of the prophet Zoroaster more than 3,000 years ago.
Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that starts 26th December and honours African-American heritage. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 as a way to unite communities and are celebrated with African music and storytelling traditions.
31st December - We end December with New Year’s Eve, a celebration enjoyed the world over.
Parties, get togethers, meals, fireworks and of course those new year resolutions are all a part of ringing in the new calendar year.
Other Notables:
There are also some more humorously themed celebratory days in December such as:
Dec 1 National Christmas Lights Day
Dec 4th National Cookie Day
Dec 16th Canadian Maple Syrup Day
And for those Seinfeld fans
Dec 23rd Festivus for the rest of us!!
Plus there are some more sincere and grateful celebratory days with;
Dec 4th World Wildlife Conservation Day
Dec 5th International Volunteers Day
Dec 7th Pearl Harbour Remembrance Day
Dec 17th National Heros and Heroines Day
to name but a few …
There seems to be a celebration for every day in December so we are sure there is something for everyone to participate in.
We would like to wish you a festive fun filled time whatever your choice of celebration and want to thank you for your support and loyalty through 2023.
May 2024 bring health, wealth and prosperity the world over.
To contact a member of the Skinsmith team please use our quick and easy contact form below. You can also get in touch with a member of our team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.