7 Hidden December Holidays Before Christmas

December is a time of joy, celebration, and festivities, but it's not just about Christmas. There are many other holidays and observances that take place during this month, often overshadowed by the more popular Christmas celebrations. In this article, we'll delve into 7 hidden December holidays before Christmas that you might not know about.

December is a time of celebration and joy, with many holidays and observances taking place throughout the month. While Christmas is one of the most widely recognized holidays in December, there are many other special days that are often overlooked. From festivals of light to celebrations of culture and heritage, these hidden December holidays offer a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diversity of human experience.

Whether you're looking to expand your cultural knowledge, participate in a new tradition, or simply find new ways to celebrate the holiday season, these 7 hidden December holidays before Christmas are sure to inspire and delight.

1. St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)

St. Nicholas Day is a holiday celebrated on December 6th in many European countries, including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The day is dedicated to St. Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and kindness, especially towards children. On St. Nicholas Day, children leave their shoes outside the door, and wake up to find them filled with small gifts, candies, and fruits.

Traditions and Celebrations

In many countries, St. Nicholas Day is a time for gift-giving, feasting, and merriment. Children often receive small gifts, such as toys, candies, and fruits, while adults may exchange gifts or enjoy traditional foods and drinks. In some countries, St. Nicholas Day is also a time for charitable giving, with many people donating to local food banks, toy drives, and other charitable organizations.

2. Bodhi Day (December 8th)

Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday celebrated on December 8th, commemorating the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. The day is a time for meditation, reflection, and celebration, with many Buddhists gathering at temples and meditation centers to mark the occasion.

Traditions and Celebrations

On Bodhi Day, Buddhists often engage in meditation, chanting, and other spiritual practices to commemorate the day of Siddhartha's enlightenment. Many temples and meditation centers also host special events, such as lectures, workshops, and cultural performances. In some countries, Bodhi Day is also a time for gift-giving, with Buddhists exchanging small gifts and tokens of appreciation.

3. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th)

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic holiday celebrated on December 8th, honoring the Virgin Mary and her conception without sin. The day is a time for prayer, reflection, and celebration, with many Catholics attending special Masses and services to mark the occasion.

Traditions and Celebrations

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Catholics often attend special Masses and services, which may include traditional hymns, prayers, and rituals. Many Catholics also engage in acts of charity and service, such as volunteering at local food banks or visiting the sick. In some countries, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is also a time for festive foods and drinks, such as traditional sweets and desserts.

4. Human Rights Day (December 10th)

Human Rights Day is a United Nations holiday celebrated on December 10th, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The day is a time for reflection, advocacy, and action, with many organizations and individuals working to promote human rights and dignity around the world.

Traditions and Celebrations

On Human Rights Day, many organizations and individuals engage in advocacy and awareness-raising activities, such as social media campaigns, rallies, and fundraising events. Many governments and institutions also mark the occasion with special events and ceremonies, such as award ceremonies and human rights lectures. In some countries, Human Rights Day is also a time for cultural performances and exhibitions, highlighting the diversity and richness of human experience.

5. Poinsettia Day (December 12th)

Poinsettia Day is a holiday celebrated on December 12th, honoring the poinsettia plant and its significance in Christmas traditions. The day is a time for gardening, decorating, and celebrating the beauty of nature.

Traditions and Celebrations

On Poinsettia Day, many people engage in gardening and decorating activities, such as planting poinsettias, making wreaths, and decorating homes with festive flowers and greenery. Many florists and garden centers also offer special promotions and discounts on poinsettia plants and arrangements. In some countries, Poinsettia Day is also a time for cultural performances and exhibitions, highlighting the art and craft of flower arranging and gardening.

6. St. Lucia Day (December 13th)

St. Lucia Day is a holiday celebrated on December 13th, honoring the life and legacy of St. Lucia, a 4th-century martyr and saint. The day is a time for feasting, singing, and merriment, with many people participating in traditional processions and festivities.

Traditions and Celebrations

On St. Lucia Day, many people participate in traditional processions and festivities, such as singing, dancing, and feasting. Many families also engage in traditional activities, such as baking sweet breads and pastries, and making festive decorations. In some countries, St. Lucia Day is also a time for charitable giving, with many people donating to local food banks and other charitable organizations.

7. Las Posadas (December 16th-24th)

Las Posadas is a holiday celebrated from December 16th to 24th, commemorating the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem. The day is a time for prayer, reflection, and celebration, with many people participating in traditional processions and festivities.

Traditions and Celebrations

On Las Posadas, many people participate in traditional processions and festivities, such as reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph, and singing traditional hymns and carols. Many families also engage in traditional activities, such as baking sweet breads and pastries, and making festive decorations. In some countries, Las Posadas is also a time for charitable giving, with many people donating to local food banks and other charitable organizations.

Gallery of December Holidays

We hope this article has inspired you to learn more about the diverse and fascinating world of December holidays. Whether you're celebrating St. Nicholas Day, Bodhi Day, or one of the many other special days this month, we wish you a joyous and festive holiday season.