The month of December is chock-full of celebrations, traditions, and cheer. From the twinkling lights of Christmas to the soulful reflections of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, it’s full of fun and festivities. In addition to time-honored traditions, there are also quirky holiday quirks to celebrate.
To help you navigate this festive frenzy, we’ve put together a day-by-day guide to December’s holidays and observances. So, without further ado, let’s prepare for a month full of holiday cheer, fun, and loved ones.
National Christmas Lights Day (Dec 1st)
National Christmas Lights Day officially kicks off the festive season. It’s the perfect day to deck out your home with twinkling lights. Whether you choose classic white lights or bold, colorful displays, this day is all about illuminating the spirit of Christmas.
Cyber Monday (Dec 2nd)
Do you want to shop from home? Cyber Monday is the perfect time to score great deals online. Essentially, it’s Black Friday shopping but with the added convenience of online shopping. Besides saving money, you can get your holiday shopping done early to avoid last-minute holiday stress.
Giving Tuesday (Dec 3rd)
As the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday end, Giving Tuesday shifts the focus to philanthropy and generosity. Several of these events are continuing past the dates. Amazon is still doing Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but hurry. Through this global movement, people are encouraged to support charities and causes they care about. It is a day to give back to the community, whether through donations or volunteering.
Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day (Dec 4th)
Show gratitude to the incredible people you work with by showing appreciation. This day is all about celebrating your team’s achievements and recognizing their efforts. Thank-you notes and team lunches can go a long way in fostering camaraderie and boosting morale.
International Volunteer Day (Dec 5th)
In honor of International Volunteer Day, the United Nations recognizes the contributions made by volunteers worldwide. Take advantage of this opportunity to get involved in your community or acknowledge the volunteers who make a daily positive impact.
St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6th)
St. Nicholas Day is an annual European tradition celebrated every December. Legend has it that St. Nicholas, a bishop in the 4th Century, gave gold to needy families through an open window. In at least one instance, the gold fell onto some winter shoes and stockings that had been dried near the fire. As a result, children used to leave gifts out for Saint Nicholas in their shoes or stockings at night. Serving as a precursor to the Christmas celebrations, it symbolizes the joy of giving and receiving like the modern Santa Claus figure.
National Joy Day (Dec 7th)
National Joy Day is a day to celebrate happiness and positivity. This day, find ways to spread joy. We can do this through kind words, thoughtful gestures, or quality time with our loved ones.
Bodhi Day (Dec 8th)
The Buddhist holiday of Bodhi Day commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama and the Buddha became enlightened. In celebration, Buddhist teachings are studied, meditation is practiced, and acts of kindness are performed. As a Sanskrit and Pali word, “Bodhi” means “enlightenment”.
Christmas Card Day (Dec 9th)
Cards are a meaningful way to connect with loved ones during the holiday season. Especially during the holidays, they are a tangible reminder of care and appreciation. With a physical token of goodwill, you can share thoughtful messages and create lasting memories. However, it is a good reminder to gather your stamps, envelopes, and cards as soon as possible since approximately 1.3 billion Christmas cards are sent each year.
Nobel Prize Day (Dec 10th)
On this day, marking Alfred Nobel’s death anniversary, we honor groundbreaking scientific, literature, peace, and economics achievements. Every year, the Nobel Prizes are awarded on this day in recognition of the amazing potential of human innovation and collaboration.
Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day (Dec 11th)
Keep your furry friends in mind this holiday season as well. The purpose of this day is to encourage people to donate pet food and supplies to shelters so that animals in need can be cared for during the winter.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12th)
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates the Virgin Mary’s appearance to a peasant in 1531. This Catholic holiday, celebrated on Dec. 12, honors Mary, Mexico’s patron saint and the Lady of the Americas. Traditional Mexican foods, music, and Mass are often part of celebrations.
Friday the 13th (Dec 13th)
Want to embrace the fun of Friday the 13th? The safest option would be to heed superstitions, like avoiding risky activities. The other option is to perform lucky rituals, such as carrying a lucky charm, knocking on wood, wearing bright colors, and spreading positivity.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship Day (Dec 14th)
Founded in 2021, Sustainable Entrepreneurship Day raises awareness about sustainability in business. In addition to learning about eco-friendly practices, it provides an opportunity to support green businesses.
Bill of Rights Day (Dec 15th)
We celebrate the freedoms and protections they grant in honor of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. On such a day, we should be reminded of the importance of democracy and civil liberties.
Stupid Toy Day (Dec 16th)
The holiday season can also be brightened with Stupid Toy Day. This whimsical holiday pays homage to those quirky, impractical, and often silly toys that make us smile. Additionally, on this day, you can donate brand-new toys and board games to your local foster care centers or orphanages.
National Device Appreciation Day (Dec 17th)
Remember to appreciate the devices that make modern life easier. Whether it’s smartphones like your iPhone or smartwatches, this day reminds us how technology connects and empowers us professionally and personally.
Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day (Dec 18th)
On this day, everyone should behave like Will Farrell’s character in the 2003 holiday classic. Specifically, callers are surprised and delighted whenever Buddy the Elf answers the phone. Say something like “(Insert your name) the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” whenever you answer the phone.
National Heroes and Heroines Day (Dec 19th)
This day recognizes and celebrates those individuals in our communities who make a positive impact on society. It doesn’t matter if they are first responders, teachers, or simply people who inspire us with their kindness and selflessness. On this day, express your gratitude to let them know that their efforts are appreciated.
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (Dec 20th)
Get out your tackiest, most festive sweater and wear it proudly. The day has become a beloved holiday tradition with themed parties and contests. Since it falls on Friday this year, you could even use it as a holiday team-building activity.
Winter Solstice (Dec 21st)
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is often celebrated with bonfires, candles, and gatherings as a time of renewal and reflection.
Mathematics Day (Dec 22nd)
On Mathematics Day, we celebrate math’s role in our daily lives. Mark the occasion by hosting a math trivia game or exploring fun math challenges.
National Christmas Movie Marathon Day (Dec 23rd)
Enjoy a marathon of your favorite holiday films with hot cocoa and cozy blankets. You won’t run out of feel-good movies to watch, from It’s a Wonderful Life to Home Alone to Elf.
Christmas Eve (Dec 24th)
One of the most anticipated days of the year, Christmas Eve is a time to spend with family, share traditions, and prepare for Christmas Day. This day is all about anticipation and joy, regardless of whether you attend midnight Mass, indulge in the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or leave cookies out for Santa.
Christmas Day/Hanukkah (Dec 25th)
Christmas Day honors the birth of Jesus Christ and is marked by feasts, gifts, and family gatherings.
Also, this year, Hanukkah begins at sundown, adding to the festivities with traditional foods, songs, and menorah lightings.
Boxing Day & Kwanzaa (Dec 26th)
Many Commonwealth countries celebrate Boxing Day by shopping and giving donations to the less fortunate. It’s also the start of Kwanzaa, a weeklong celebration of African heritage and culture.
National Leftovers Day (Dec 27th)
Take advantage of your leftover holiday food by getting creative. With all those extra Christmas goodies, this day is perfect for whipping up something delicious.
National Call a Friend Day (Dec 28th)
Take advantage of National Call a Friend Day to reconnect with loved ones. The power of a simple phone call can brighten someone’s day and strengthen relationships.
Still Need To Do Day (Dec 29th)
At the end of the year, this is a day devoted to completing all the tasks, errands, or unfinished projects hanging over your head. It’s essentially “tying up loose ends” for a fresh, organized start to the new year.
National Resolution Planning Day (Dec 30th)
As we approach the New Year, take some time to reflect on the past year and set positive goals for the future. This is basically a suggestion that people should plan their New Year’s resolutions early.
New Year’s Eve/Make Up Your Mind Day (Dec 31st)
Traditionally, the last day of the year celebrates both endings and beginnings. Think back on your choices as you count down to midnight and prepare for a new year full of opportunities.
Conclusion
In December, we celebrate light, love, and reflection. There are plenty of ways to celebrate this month, whether through cultural traditions, quirky observances, or spending time with loved ones. Don’t forget to mark your calendar, plan your activities, and have fun to make your spirits bright.
FAQs
What is the origin of the name “December”?
It comes from the Latin word “decim,” which means “ten,” as December, according to the Roman calendar, was originally the tenth month.
What are the major holidays in December?
December is a month full of holidays and celebrations. The following are some of the most well-known holidays;
- Christmas
- Hanukkah
- Kwanzaa
- Boxing Day
- New Year’s Eve
What are some fun things to do in December?
- Decorate your home for the holidays
- Go ice skating, skiing, or sledding
- Build a snowman
- Bake cookies
- Watch Christmas movies or holiday specials
- Attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony or holiday parade
- Host a New Year’s Eve party
In December, what are some of the most popular traditions?
- Giving or donating gifts
- Decorating Christmas trees
- Singing Christmas carols
- Having a holiday feast
- Watching the New Year’s Eve ball drop
What are some fun facts about December?
The following are some interesting facts about December;
- December has 31 days.
- The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, occurs on either December 21, 22, or 23.
- December’s birthstones are turquoise, zircon, and tanzanite.
- Holly and narcissus are the flowers associated with December.
Image Credit: Torsten Dettlaff; Pexels
Deanna Ritchie
Editor-in-Chief at Calendar. Former Editor-in-Chief and writer at Startup Grind. Freelance editor at Entrepreneur.com. Deanna loves to help build startups, and guide them to discover the business value of their online content and social media marketing.