December 3 — International Day of Persons with Disabilities opens in a new tab
The International Day of Disabled Persons was established in 1992 by the United Nations. This day has become an annual observance day to celebrate and support the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, to raise awareness when thinking about political, social, economic and cultural life involvement.
December 10 — International Human Rights Day
December 21 — Soyal (PDF) opens in a new tab
On December 21st, the shortest day of the year, the Hopi and Zuni Indians celebrate Soyal: a winter solstice ceremony, The Peaceful Ones. This ceremonial ritual is intended to bring the sun back from its long winters.
Per the website, this ceremony is celebrated over a period of 16 days which starts with prayers and supplications and ends with a feast and Kachina Dance. The Native American name for this important ceremony is ‘Soyalangwul’ from which the term ‘Soyal’ is derived.
December 21 — Winter Solstice
December 25 — Christmas
December 26 — Chanukah
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is the Jewish eight-day celebration of the wintertime “festival of lights”. This festival is often observed with lighting a ceremonial candelabra called a menorah, reciting special prayers and eating foods such as latkes – fried pancakes made with potatoes or other vegetables.
December 26–January 1 — Kwanzaa opens in a new tab
A Pan-African and African American holiday, celebrating family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa gifts to children traditionally include books.
