Celebrate December
December ushers in a number of holidays and celebrations. Apparently 15 in all however, the biggest of these are Hunakkah and Christmas.
December 6 Saint Nicholas Day
This day is to celebrate the birth of Saint Nicholas who serves as a role model of gift-giving, commonly known as ~ you guessed it Santa Claus
December 7 - 14 Hanukkah
This is the Jewish Festival of Lights celebrating the Maccabean revolt in Egypt. Eight candles are lit over the eight days held in a Menorah
December 8 Immaculate Conception
This is a Catholic celebration in honour of Jesus’ mother Mary
December 8 Rohatsu (Bodhi Day)
This holiday celebrates the historical Buddha’s decision and vow to sit under the Bodhi tree until he reaches spiritual enlightenment.
November 27 - December 24 Advent (December 10 is when the Advent Fast begins)
Advent is the Orthodox season of reflection and preparation for the birth of Christ Jesus and the expected return of Christ in the Second Coming. The Advent Fast begins two weeks before December 24th.
December 12 Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This is a Mexican Catholic celebration honouring the appearance of the Virgin Mary in Mexico City
November 27 - December 24 Advent (December 10 is when the Advent Fast begins)
Advent is the Orthodox season of reflection and preparation for the birth of Christ Jesus and the expected return of Christ in the Second Coming. The Advent Fast begins two weeks before December 24th.
December 16 Posadas Navidenas
This is mainly an Hispanic Christian celebration that commemorates Mary & Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem
December 21- January 1 Solstice
Pagan and Wicca believers celebrate the point in the year when the earth is farthest away from the sun and honour “the winter-born king” which is symbolized by the rebirth of the sun.
December 23 Mawlid el-Nabi
This is a time to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
December 25 Christmas
This is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus
December 26 - January 1 Kwanzaa
Based on African harvest festival traditions Kwanzaa is celebrated by African Americans to commemorate their culture
December 26 Zarathosht Diso
This is a Zoroastrian celebration of the death of Zarathustra, prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism
December 27 Feast of the Holy Family
Catholics use this day to honour Jesus, Mary and Joseph
December 28 Holy Innocents Day
This is a Christian solemn honouring of the deaths of the children killed by King Herod, as he attempted to kill Christ Jesus
December 31 Watch Night
This is a time for Christians to thank God for the safety they received during the year.
December 27 Feast of the Holy Family
Catholics use this day to honour Jesus, Mary and Joseph
As we can see not everyone observes all of the celebrations! I personally celebrate Advent (although not every year) and Christmas. To me the Christmas season is about Christ Jesus. Yes, we decorate, give gifts, have a special meal, and make a special effort to have everyone together. We usually go to church the night before Christmas for a special Christmas Eve service, and in the morning we read from the Scriptures (usually from the book of Luke or Matthew) about the lead up to and the birth of Christ Jesus.
I am not offended by someone saying Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa or Merry Christmas, etc to me. I presume it is someone wishing me happiness and not trying to pick a fight. And yes, I call it a Christmas Tree; I’m kind of old-fashioned (hard to teach an old dog new tricks, LOL!)
I love to explore and discover the incredible number of traditions of almost all of the December celebrations. We need to celebrate our differences, become more broad-minded, interested, and accepting of the fact that there is diversity. So much of the attitudes of people these days is creating greater division instead of community. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I believe in community. I don’t believe we have to ram our own beliefs down someone else’s throat but I do believe in open dialogue.
No matter how you look at it, it is a month of celebrations!! So CELEBRATE to your heart’s content!!
Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year!!
I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Go to heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops for more information and to register for my upcoming workshops or seminars!
About Heather O ‘Reilly
I have coached and mentored individuals, and facilitated small groups for over 30 years. I am a strong proponent of walking the walk and talking the talk. When I know something works, I like to pass it on to others!
Join me and start your journey to spark meaningful change in your life. Discover new strategies and develop good habits by registering for our upcoming workshops at heatherlynnecoaching.com/workshops