6
St. Nicholas’ Day, celebrated on December 6, honors Saint Nicholas, a bishop renowned for his generosity and good works, particularly for children and the poor. This Feast Day is observed in many countries, each with its own unique traditions.
One of the most common customs is for children to leave out their shoes, hoping that St. Nicholas will fill them with small gifts. These gifts often include chocolates, coins or candy canes, meant to bring joy to children. The candy cane holds special significance, as it represents the shepherd’s crook carried by St. Nicholas, symbolizing his role as a caretaker and guide.
The traditions of St. Nicholas’ Day celebrate kindness, generosity and the spirit of giving, making it a beloved holiday for many around the world.
ADVENT
Four Sundays before December 25
The first day of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year and the season of anticipation leading up to the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. It is also a time for spiritual preparation, as Christians reflect on His promised second coming.
In many Eastern Christian traditions, this season is observed as the Nativity Fast, a 40-day period of penance, prayer and reflection before Christmas. Both Advent and the Nativity Fast focus on themes of preparation, hope and renewal, making this season a profoundly meaningful time in the Christian calendar.
Advent invites believers to pause, reflect and embrace the joy and hope that comes with the promise of Christ’s presence in their lives.
BODHI DAY December 8
Bohdi Day is a Buddhist holiday commemorating the day
Gautama Buddha achieved full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It marks a pivotal moment in Buddhist tradition.
Unlike other holidays, it is observed in silence and contemplation, avoiding large parades or festive gatherings.
Buddhists honor this day through meditation, study of sacred teachings, planting Bodhi trees and sharing traditional rice and milk meals, symbolizing simplicity and nourishment. Acts of kindness and generosity are central to the celebration, embodying the Buddha’s teachings. Many also adorn temples and altars with lights or candles, symbolizing enlightenment and the path out of darkness.
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
December 9
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast honoring the sinless life and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrating her unique role in salvation history. It is one of the most significant Marian feasts in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church and is observed worldwide.
This solemn feast is also the patronal celebration of several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil and Chile. While it is a deeply reverent occasion, many communities express their admiration and gratitude for the Virgin Mary with parades, fireworks and other joyful displays, blending solemnity with festive celebration.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
December 12
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) is a revered Catholic title for Mary, the mother of Jesus. This feast day is closely associated with Juan Diego, a Mexican peasant, and his uncle, Juan Bernardino, who are said to have experienced five miraculous apparitions of Mary in December 1531 These visions are believed to carry messages of divine guidance and compassion.
A central symbol of these events is the miraculous image of Mary imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma (cloak), which is preserved and displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City This basilica is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, reflecting the deep devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a symbol of faith, unity and hope.
SAINT LUCY’S DAY
December 13
Saint Lucy’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Lucia, is a Christian celebration honoring the martyr Saint Lucy. It is most prominently observed in Sweden and other Swedishspeaking regions.
Traditionally, the eldest daughter in a family dresses in white to represent Saint Lucy and serves baked goods and coffee to her family. The celebration coincides with the winter solstice, symbolizing the “return of light” during the darkest days of the year.
Young girls often wear white robes and crowns of candles, while many churches host processions where boys and girls sing hymns to Saint Lucy. A highlight of the festivities is the baking of Santa Lucia buns, a saffron-infused treat that adds to the warmth of this luminous holiday.
LAS POSADAS
December 16 - 24
Las Posadas is a cherished tradition celebrated in cities and towns across Mexico. Each evening during the nine-day festival, a child dressed as an angel leads a lively and heartfelt procession.
This celebration commemorates the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem as they searched for a safe place where Mary could give birth to baby Jesus. Following each procession, a Mass is held, bringing the community together in prayer and reflection.
At the end of the service, children delight in breaking open starshaped piñatas filled with candy, toys and coins, adding joy and excitement to this meaningful celebration.
WINTER SOLSTICE
December 21
The Winter Solstice marks the day when the Northern Hemisphere tilts farthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. This celestial event is often associated with themes of fire and light, symbolizing hope and the gradual return of longer days.
Across cultures, the Winter Solstice is celebrated with traditions that embrace warmth and renewal. These include decorating Yule trees, burning Yule logs, taking solstice baths and preparing hearty, warming foods to nourish the body on this cold and reflective night. Such practices honor the transition from darkness to light, a reminder of nature’s cyclical rhythms
YULE
December 21 - January 1
Yule is a winter festival with deep historical roots in Germanic communities. Originally a pagan celebration, it was later incorporated into Christmas traditions during the conversion of Germanic peoples to Christianity. Today, Yule is also celebrated independently by adherents of modern pagan and other new religious movements. The holiday is marked by rich customs and traditions, such as the Yule log, Yule goat, Yule boar and Yule singing, many of which are believed to have connections to ancient pagan practices.
Yule remains a time to honor the season's themes of light, renewal and community, preserving its unique place in winter celebrations worldwide.
SOYAL
December 22
Soyal is the winter solstice ceremony celebrated by the Zuni and Hopi peoples, marking the shortest day of the year. As the most sacred rite of the year, it symbolizes renewal, the welcoming of new life and gratitude for all that nature has created.
The ceremony features rich traditions, including dancing, singing and the giving of gifts to children. Elders play a central role, passing down stories and teachings that connect the community to its heritage and values. Soyal is a deeply spiritual time of reflection, celebration and preparation for the year ahead, honoring the cycles of nature and the continuity of life.
CHRISTMAS EVE December 24
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24, marks the evening before Christmas and the beginning of many cherished festivities. Its significance partly stems from the Christian liturgical tradition of starting the day at sunset, a practice rooted in Jewish customs.
Traditionally, Jesus is believed to have been born at night, which is why Midnight Mass is often held on Christmas Eve. Celebrated at midnight, this sacred service honors the nativity and is a central part of the evening's observances.
The holiness of Christmas Eve is reflected in cultural expressions, such as Heilige Nacht (Holy Night) in German and Nochebuena (The Good Night) in Spanish. This reverence is also captured in beloved traditions, including the hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night,” which has become a timeless symbol of the peace and joy associated with this sacred night.
HANUKKAH
December 25 - January 2
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt, when Jews rose against their oppressors. The word "Hanukkah," meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, reflects the restoration and sanctification of the temple.
The festival begins on the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in late November or December. It is observed by lighting candles on a menorah (or hanukkiah), a nine-branched candelabrum. One branch is set apart, either above or below the others, and its candle called the shamash (helper), is used to light the other eight candles. Each evening, one additional candle is lit by the shamash, culminating with all eight candles illuminated on the final night of Hanukkah.
BOXING DAY
December
26
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas, originated in Great Britain as a day dedicated to giving gifts to the poor and showing generosity to those in need. Historically, it was a time for employers to give “Christmas boxes” to their staff as tokens of gratitude.
Over time, Boxing Day has also become associated with shopping, as many take advantage of post-Christmas sales and discounts. The holiday is also known as Saint Stephen’s Day, in honor of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was celebrated for his service to the poor in Jerusalem.
Today, Boxing Day remains a blend of charitable tradition and modern-day festivities, observed with generosity, reflection and celebration.
KWANZAA
December 26 - January 1
Kwanzaa is a celebration that was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to affirm African family and social values. The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning "first fruits." The concept of Kwanzaa draws on African harvest festivals, particularly those from various regions across the continent. While the holiday is mainly celebrated in the United States, it is also observed in the Caribbean and other countries with significant African populations.
Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, from December 26 to January 1, and each day is dedicated to one of the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa: Unity (Umoja), Self-Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba) and Faith (Imani). Each evening, families come together to light one of the candles on the kinara, or candleholder, and to discuss the principle of the day.
ŌMISOKA
December 31
Ōmisoka, the Japanese celebration of the new year, is a time for cleansing, reflection and embracing new beginnings. This holiday is steeped in meaningful traditions, including cleaning homes, settling debts or repaying kindness to loved ones, bathing and gathering with family and friends for festive parties.
A signature dish of the celebration is toshikoshi soba, symbolizing longevity and resilience. Families and friends come together to prepare and share a variety of dishes, reinforcing bonds as they welcome the year ahead.
As midnight approaches, many gather at shrines to witness the ceremonial ringing of the bell, a tradition known as joya no kane. The bell is rung 108 times to cleanse the world of past year’s sins and desires, ushering in a fresh start with harmony and hope.
NEW YEAR’S EVE December 31
The celebration of New Year's Eve has a rich history dating back over 4,000 years, and unique customs are observed worldwide.
In Spain, it is tradition to eat 12 green grapes at the stroke of midnight, symbolizing luck for each month of the coming year. In New York City, over 2 million people gather in Times Square to watch the iconic ball drop and welcome the new year with excitement.
In Brazil, good fortune is sought by making a wish and jumping into the ocean, while in Denmark, breaking plates at someone’s front door is believed to bring good luck.
New Year's Eve is widely seen as a time for new beginnings, with many embracing the tradition of making resolutions or wishes. In fact, about 45% of Americans mark the occasion by setting goals for the year ahead.
NEW YEAR’S DAY January 1
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Day falls on January 1, marking the start of the calendar year. As the most widely used civil calendar globally, the Gregorian calendar has made January 1 one of the most celebrated public holidays around the world.
Festivities often begin the night before on New Year's Eve, with fireworks lighting up the skies at midnight as each time zone welcomes the new year. On New Year's Day, traditions vary across cultures but often include making resolutions for personal growth and connecting with friends and family to share well wishes.
New Year's Day is a universal moment of renewal and hope, embraced with joy and celebration in nearly every corner of the world.
EPIPHANY January 6
Epiphany traces its origins to the Greek-speaking eastern half of the Roman Empire and is observed differently across Christian traditions today. In Western Christian denominations, it commemorates the arrival of the Magi at the birth of Jesus, symbolizing His manifestation to the Gentiles. In contrast, Eastern Christian traditions celebrate Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, highlighting His divine revelation and the beginning of His public ministry
Affectionately called “Three Kings’ Day” or “Little Christmas,” this feast holds deep spiritual significance. For many, it marks the end of the Christmas season, while for others, it ushers in a new liturgical season, symbolizing themes of renewal, revelation and divine grace
THREE KINGS DAY
January 6
Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that honors the first manifestations of Jesus to the Gentiles. These events include His baptism in the Jordan River and His first miracle at the wedding in Cana, Galilee.
As one of the oldest festivals in the Christian Church, Three Kings Day carries deep spiritual and cultural significance. Many celebrate with special pastries, while in some families, children leave their shoes out to receive small gifts, symbolizing the Magi’s offerings to baby Jesus.
This cherished holiday reminds us of faith, generosity and the enduring story of the Magi's journey.
MAKAR SANKRANTI
January
14
Makar Sankranti marks the first day of Makara Masa, the month in the Indian Solar Calendar associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn. This Hindu festival is dedicated to Surya, the solar deity, and celebrates the Sun’s transition into Capricorn, symbolizing longer and warmer days ahead.
Often associated with the color red, Makar Sankranti is observed with vibrant social festivities, including colorful decorations, children singing and dancing as they go house to house, kite flying, bonfires and feasts. Many devotees also visit sacred rivers or lakes to bathe in a ritual of gratitude and purification, offering thanks to the Sun for sustaining life.
MAHAYANA NEW YEAR
January 14
Mahayana New Year is a Buddhist celebration marking the first full moon of January. This special occasion is a time for self-reflection, renewal and letting go of past wrongdoings. Buddhists honor this sacred time with various meaningful rituals. They pray and light candles in temples to honor their deities, offer gifts and perform the symbolic bathing of Buddha statues Many also take this time to cleanse their minds and spirits by acknowledging their mistakes and releasing negativity, embracing the opportunity for fresh beginnings.
This deeply spiritual celebration encourages growth, mindfulness and the pursuit of inner peace as the new year begins.
ORTHODOX NEW YEAR January 14
Orthodox New Year, also called Old New Year, marks the first day of the Julian calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated on January 14. This holiday is widely observed in countries such as Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia and Ukraine, as well as by some Orthodox Christians around the world
The celebration often features fireworks, festive meals and lively musical entertainment. For many, it is a time to honor traditions, enjoy community gatherings and reflect on the transition into a new year according to the Julian calendar.
TU B’SHEVAT
Febr ar 12 13
Tu B’Shevat is a Jewish holiday observed on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. Also known as Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, or the “New Year of the Trees,” it is one of four New Years in the Jewish calendar, each marking the beginning of a different season or cycle.
Traditionally, Tu B’Shevat was a time to calculate the age of trees for tithing purposes in biblical times. In modern Israel, the day has evolved into an ecological awareness day, celebrating nature and the environment through tree planting and environmental conservation efforts. Globally, Jewish communities often mark the day by eating symbolic fruits such as figs, dates and carob, and by holding special Tu B’Shevat seders that connect the holiday to themes of sustainability and gratitude for the earth.