Every month of the year has something special about it, something that makes it stand out from the rest. December is no exception. This month is filled with joy, festivities and celebrations, making it one of the most beloved months of the year.
From twinkling lights and decorated Christmas trees to the aroma of gingerbread cookies and eggnog, December is a month that captivates the hearts of people all over the world. But what exactly is December nationally known for? Let's explore some of the reasons why this month holds a special place in our hearts.
December is a month of giving and receiving, a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. It's a time to come together with loved ones, to celebrate life and to spread joy and happiness.
december is national what month
December is a month of joy, festivities, and celebrations.
- Christmas celebrations
- Gift-giving and receiving
- Family gatherings
- Holiday feasts
- Winter solstice
- Hanukkah
- Kwanzaa
- New Year's Eve
December is a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one. It's a time to come together with loved ones, to celebrate life and to spread joy and happiness.
Christmas celebrations
Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays around the world, and a key part of the December festivities.
In many countries, Christmas celebrations begin weeks in advance, with the decoration of homes, streets, and public spaces with lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees. The Christmas tree is a central symbol of the holiday, often decorated with lights, ornaments, and a star or angel on top.
On Christmas Eve, children hang stockings by the fireplace or at the foot of their beds, hoping that Santa Claus will fill them with presents. Santa Claus is a legendary figure who is said to deliver gifts to children on Christmas Eve. He is often depicted as a jolly old man with a white beard and a red suit.
On Christmas Day, families and friends gather together for a special meal, often featuring traditional dishes such as roast turkey, ham, or goose. After dinner, many families open their presents and exchange gifts. Christmas is also a time for attending church services, singing carols, and enjoying the company of loved ones.
Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to come together with loved ones to share in the festivities.
Gift-giving and receiving
Gift-giving and receiving is a central part of the December festivities, especially during Christmas. It is a time to show appreciation and love for friends and family, and to spread joy and happiness.
- Choosing gifts:
People often spend a lot of time and thought choosing the perfect gifts for their loved ones. They consider the person's interests, hobbies, and needs, and try to find something that will be truly appreciated.
- Wrapping gifts:
Gifts are usually wrapped in colorful paper and adorned with ribbons and bows. This adds an extra touch of excitement and anticipation to the gift-giving experience.
- Exchanging gifts:
On Christmas Day, families and friends gather together and exchange gifts. This is a time of great joy and laughter, as people open their presents and see what they have received.
- The spirit of giving:
Gift-giving and receiving is not just about the material presents. It is about the thought and effort that goes into choosing and giving a gift, and the joy and happiness that is spread when the gift is received.
Gift-giving and receiving is a tradition that has been passed down for generations. It is a way to show love and appreciation for the people in our lives, and to make the December festivities even more special.
Family gatherings
December is a time for family gatherings. With the holiday season in full swing, families and extended families come together to celebrate, share meals, and exchange gifts. These gatherings are a chance to reconnect with loved ones, create lasting memories, and strengthen family bonds.
In many cultures, Christmas is a time for families to gather for a special meal. This meal is often a feast, featuring traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. The preparation of the meal is often a family affair, with everyone pitching in to help. The meal itself is a time for laughter, storytelling, and sharing of family news.
After dinner, families often gather around the Christmas tree to exchange gifts. This is a time of great excitement and anticipation, as children eagerly await their presents. Once all the gifts have been opened, families may spend the rest of the evening playing games, singing carols, or simply enjoying each other's company.
Family gatherings in December are not limited to Christmas. Other holidays, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, are also a time for families to come together and celebrate. No matter the occasion, December is a month for families to cherish the time they have together and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Family gatherings in December are a tradition that has been passed down for generations. They are a time to celebrate, share, and connect with loved ones. These gatherings make December a truly special time of year.
Holiday feasts
Holiday feasts are a central part of the December festivities. Families and friends gather together to share special meals and celebrate the holiday season.
- Christmas dinner:
In many cultures, Christmas dinner is the most important meal of the year. It is often a feast, featuring traditional dishes such as roast turkey, ham, or goose. The meal is often prepared days in advance, and the whole family pitches in to help.
- Hanukkah latkes:
Latkes are a traditional Hanukkah food. They are potato pancakes that are fried and served with applesauce and sour cream. Latkes are often eaten during the Hanukkah meal, which is called a "Hanukkah feast."
- Kwanzaa karamu:
The karamu is a feast that is held on the last day of Kwanzaa. It is a celebration of the harvest and the African American community. The karamu is a potluck meal, and each guest brings a dish to share.
- New Year's Eve dinner:
New Year's Eve dinner is a time to celebrate the coming of the new year. It is often a festive meal, featuring dishes that are believed to bring good luck in the new year.
Holiday feasts are a time to come together with loved ones, share delicious food, and celebrate the joys of the season. They are a cherished tradition that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
Winter solstice
The winter solstice is an astronomical event that occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted away from the sun to the greatest extent. This happens twice a year, once in the Northern Hemisphere and once in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on or around December 21 or 22. This is the shortest day of the year, with the least amount of daylight.
The winter solstice has been celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries. In many cultures, it is seen as a time of rebirth and renewal. The days start to get longer after the winter solstice, which symbolizes the return of the sun and the coming of spring.
In some cultures, the winter solstice is celebrated with festivals and rituals. For example, in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, people exchanged gifts, held feasts, and decorated their homes with greenery. In the Scandinavian countries, the winter solstice is celebrated with the festival of Yule, which features a large bonfire and a feast.
Today, the winter solstice is still celebrated in many cultures, although the traditions and rituals vary. Some people celebrate the solstice by gathering with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and enjoying a special meal. Others mark the occasion by going for a walk in nature or simply taking a moment to reflect on the changing seasons.
The winter solstice is a time of great significance in many cultures. It is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the coming of spring. It is also a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the new year.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights because it is celebrated by lighting a menorah, a candelabra with nine branches.
Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights and days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. This usually falls in December, but sometimes it can occur in November or January. During Hanukkah, Jewish people light the menorah each night, adding one candle each night until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night.
In addition to lighting the menorah, Hanukkah is also celebrated by eating traditional foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Children often play a game called dreidel, which involves spinning a four-sided top with Hebrew letters on each side.
Hanukkah is a time for Jewish families and communities to come together and celebrate their heritage. It is a joyful holiday that is filled with light, laughter, and delicious food.
Hanukkah is a reminder of the importance of religious freedom and the power of the human spirit. It is a holiday that is celebrated by Jewish people all over the world, and it is a time for people of all faiths to come together and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that celebrates African heritage and culture. It was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist, as a way to bring African Americans together and to help them connect with their African roots.
Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a different principle, or Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
Kwanzaa is celebrated in homes and communities throughout the African American diaspora. Families and friends gather together to light the kinara, a candleholder with seven candles, one for each day of Kwanzaa. They also exchange gifts, sing songs, and tell stories about African history and culture.
Kwanzaa is a time for African Americans to come together and celebrate their heritage. It is a time to reflect on the past, to celebrate the present, and to look forward to the future.
Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday, but it has quickly become a beloved tradition for many African American families. It is a time to come together, to celebrate African culture, and to teach the younger generation about their heritage.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the last day of the year, December 31. It is a time to celebrate the coming of the new year and to say goodbye to the old year.
New Year's Eve is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some cultures, it is a time for family gatherings and quiet reflection. In other cultures, it is a time for wild parties and celebrations.
One of the most common New Year's Eve traditions is to count down the seconds to midnight. When the clock strikes twelve, people cheer, hug, and kiss to welcome the new year. Other popular New Year's Eve traditions include watching fireworks, eating special foods, and making resolutions for the new year.
New Year's Eve is a time for hope and optimism. It is a time to look forward to the new year and to all the possibilities that it holds.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, New Year's Eve is a special time of year. It is a time to come together with loved ones, to reflect on the past year, and to look forward to the new year with hope and optimism.
FAQ
Do you have questions about December? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Question 1: What is December known for?
Answer 1: December is known for many things, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and the winter solstice. It is also a time for family gatherings, holiday feasts, and gift-giving.
Question 2: When is Christmas celebrated?
Answer 2: Christmas is celebrated on December 25.
Question 3: What is Hanukkah?
Answer 3: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. It is celebrated for eight nights and days, beginning on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar.
Question 4: What is Kwanzaa?
Answer 4: Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that celebrates African heritage and culture. It is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.
Question 5: When is New Year's Eve?
Answer 5: New Year's Eve is on December 31.
Question 6: What is the winter solstice?
Answer 6: The winter solstice is an astronomical event that occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted away from the sun to the greatest extent. This happens twice a year, once in the Northern Hemisphere and once in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs on or around December 21 or 22.
Question 7: What are some popular December activities?
Answer 7: Some popular December activities include attending holiday parties, decorating homes and trees, shopping for gifts, baking holiday cookies, and spending time with family and friends.
These are just a few of the many questions people have about December. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask your friends, family, or a trusted adult.
Now that you know more about December, here are some tips for making the most of this special time of year:
Tips
Here are a few tips for making the most of December:
Tip 1: Plan ahead. December is a busy month, so it's important to plan ahead to avoid stress. Make a list of all the things you need to do, such as shopping for gifts, baking cookies, and attending holiday parties. This will help you stay organized and on track.
Tip 2: Set realistic expectations. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of December and try to do too much. Set realistic expectations for yourself and don't be afraid to say no to commitments if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Tip 3: Take some time for yourself. Even though December is a busy month, it's important to take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Go for a walk, read a book, or take a bath. Taking some time for yourself will help you avoid burnout and enjoy the holiday season more.
Tip 4: Focus on what's important. December is a time for family, friends, and celebration. Focus on what's truly important during the holiday season and don't get caught up in the commercialism and materialism that can sometimes accompany it.
By following these tips, you can make the most of December and enjoy all that this special time of year has to offer.
December is a month of joy, love, and giving. It's a time to celebrate the holidays, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the past year. Make the most of this special time of year by following the tips above.
Conclusion
December is a month of joy, love, and giving. It is a time to celebrate the holidays, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the past year. December is also a time for new beginnings, as we look forward to the new year with hope and optimism.
This month is filled with special moments, from the twinkling lights of Christmas trees to the laughter and joy of children on Christmas morning. It is a time to come together with loved ones, to share meals and gifts, and to create lasting memories.
December is also a time to reflect on the past year. It is a time to think about the things we are grateful for, the challenges we have overcome, and the lessons we have learned. It is also a time to look forward to the new year and to set goals for ourselves.
As we enter the final month of the year, let us cherish the moments we have with loved ones and let us look forward to the new year with hope and optimism. December is a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. Let us make the most of it.
Wishing you all a happy and joyous December!