The month of December is all about holidays, baking cookies, snow, and family times. It is the best time of the year to let go of the stress and have fun with family and friends. The chilly, cozy eves of December bring in optimism, hope, and ample reasons for celebration. Even studies have shown that this is the most popular month when it comes to traveling. There’s no doubt that the December Global Holidays is something that not just brings the world together, but is also a reason for happiness and celebration all around.
People across the globe can relate to the fact that this month is joyous. There’s more laughter in the air, people are kinder and friendlier to each other and there’s gift exchange happening all around. The reason that makes December Global Holidays an opportunity for everyone to live it up and be happy is the fact that it accords for the holidays in every part of the world. This month beautifully symbolizes the fact that every ending makes way for a new beginning. The amazing month marks the end of a year and witnesses the eve of a new one. All month long, especially in the places that have snowfall, it seems like a view from the Disney Christmas movies.
December Global Holidays give us a bounty of reasons to celebrate life with our loved ones. So, what are you waiting for? The write-up lists out some of the holidays and traditions that are observed in different parts of the world. Get out there and be ready to soak yourself in the December Global Holidays 2022.
List of the December Global Holidays 2022
1. Krampusnacht
Krampusnacht is celebrated on the 5th of this month. Though the story behind the origin of this December Global Holiday is unclear, it is said to be celebrated to scare the children into being well-behaved during Christmas. It celebrates a demonic creature that punishes kids who are naughty and are not obedient. This holiday is mostly celebrated in Germany and some parts of Europe. However, the rituals differ from town to town. In some places, young men dress up as scary creatures and knock on every door to scare the kids. In Europe, this has become the national December global holiday where people party, dance and enjoy snacks, and drinks.
2. Bodhi Day
This December Global Holiday is mostly observed in Southeast Asia. The 8th of December is celebrated to commemorate the enlightenment of Siddharth Buddha. In some parts of the world, it is also considered an alternative New Year, especially by people who practice Buddhism. It is said that on this very day Buddha attained supreme insight into the spiritual truth and his death. Bodhi day is also known as Sambuddhatva Jayanthi or ‘the birthday or Awakening of Sambuddha’.
3. Feast of the Immaculate Conception
While some part of the world celebrates Bodhi day on the 8th of this month, the other part observes this day as the Feast of the Immaculate. This December Global Holiday honour the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, every year. It is believed by the Catholics that Mary was the chosen one as she was pure and saintly without any sin. This holiday is marked by people visiting Church and making a special prayer called a “novena” which is said nine times in a row to thank her or request for her help and guidance.
4. Hanukkah
Celebrated from the 18th to the 26th of December, Hanukkah is a major December Global Holiday commonly celebrated by the Jewish community for eight days straight. The story behind it goes back to when the Jews in Israel were fighting against the Greeks. They found a jug of oil that was supposed to last just one day. However, it wondrously lasted for 8 long days. Ever since then, this holiday is deemed an anniversary of the miracle. The festive mood during Hanukkah is made special with delicacies like latkes and jelly doughnuts. The travel enthusiasts may even visit Israel, but this holiday is celebrated in around 21 countries by the Jewish community and people who are interested in learning about the culture.
5. St. Lucia Day
This December Global Holiday is celebrated on the 13th of this month. As the legend goes, the bright star in the sky led the path of the three kings to Bethlehem to visit the newborn baby, Jesus. St. Lucia Day is observed in honour of the bright sky. This day is celebrated by handing over gift baskets to the children that traditionally contain items like cookies, fruits, candles, etc. The festivity experiences the spark in the air with people singing Christmas Carol and exchanging gifts. In some places, as per the tradition associated with the day, people wear a wreath of candles on their heads. It is believed that St. Lucia used to help the poor Christians by bringing them food during the time of oppression.
6. Las Posadas
The December Global Holiday cannot be considered complete without acknowledging the plightful journey of Mother Mary and Joseph. Las Posadas is the day that pays tribute to this historical event. It is mostly celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States on the 13th of December. It is said that no one was ready to help them when Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph were looking for a shelter where they could welcome baby Jesus. After a long struggle, they finally found a shelter, and Las Posadas is celebrated to pay respect to that moment of hospitality. The day is typically celebrated with family, friends, and loved ones. People visit houses in the neighborhood and sing songs while seeking shelter. Ideally, the people living in the house offer the visitors food and drinks.
7. Winter Solstice or Yule
21st of December marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Also, known as the Winter Solstice, this is the chilliest day of the year, especially in the northern hemisphere. This amazing Astronomical event is also referred to as Yule or winter observance and is celebrated in Antarctica as one of the December Global Holidays. Some of the common practices that take place on this day are people caroling from house to house after dark. The houses are decorated with evergreen plants & trees and as a common fun practice gifts are exchanged among family and friends.
8. Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is cheerfully observed on the 24th of December, a day before Christmas. This is one of the few events that unites everyone across the globe as this December Global Holiday is celebrated as the eve when the Saviour was born. Just like Jesus brought light to Earth and drove away from the darkness, the blissful eve brings light to every house and life. Some marks this auspicious occasion by visiting a church while others spend time with their families and loved ones. While the entire world waits for the clock to strike 12, delicacies and cookies are served to make the day extra special.
9. Christmas
“Tis the Season”. Christmas is definitely one and the only December Global Holiday that is celebrated by everyone across the globe, irrespective of the place, religion, and beliefs. According to the Christian beliefs, the son of God, Jesus Christ was born on the 25th of December. Ever since then this day is observed as Christmas and celebrated almost everywhere. However, this is a major holiday in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This is the happiest time of the year when people forget all hate and rivalry to get together and celebrate the auspicious day with their loved ones. It’s a great time and a noble reason for everyone to take a break from their monotonous routine and share some special memories for life.
10. St. Stephen’s Day
A day after Christmas, around 25 countries including Austria, Denmark, and others celebrate St. Stephen’s Day. This December Global Holiday is observed as an acknowledgment of the event when St. Stephen was stoned to death after he preached to his people for 40 days. He died with the stone held in his hand that was given to him by Lord Jesus. He was a Catholic Roman Priest and the day is celebrated to keep his memories alive as well as to honor his journey as the first Christian martyr.
11. New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is the most exciting and the last December Global Holidays. The marks the transition end of a year and paves way for an exciting new year. The traditions may differ, but the celebration happens around the world. In some places, people throw parties while others prefer quieter and more intimate celebrations. Some of the religious groups even regard this day to thank the Almighty for the year that passed and pray for the prosperous one ahead. However, mostly this day is an opportunity to reflect on the past and set personal goals for the coming year. The December Global Holidays make this month worth celebrating. This is one of the months of the year that gives ample opportunity to ditch the usual lifestyle. It is the ideal time to take a break from everything and spend some time with your loved ones. So, what are your reasons to indulge in some me-time this year?
