List of December Global Holidays and Festivities 2022
– December Global Holidays –
December is without a doubt the most joyous month of the year. Around the world, they honor the month with a variety of activities and festivals, including religious, cultural, and even corporate events. December Global holidays are the most popular and in this article, we are listing all of them.
Global Holidays in December
When the month of December approaches, people all around the world plan for a variety of celebrations.
It is the month with the most vacation days, which explains why most people like to take their vacations around this time of year.
They observed December worldwide holidays around the world to commemorate various events and causes.
Most people celebrate the conclusion of the calendar year in good health in December. Apart from celebrating the end of the year, the twelfth month of the year has a slew of other significant festivals for humanity.
Themes such as health, religion, and friendship marked the December holidays all across the world.
1. Christmas
Christmas is without a doubt the most well-known December holiday. The day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom Christians regard as God’s final genuine prophet, sent to redeem humanity from sin.
What distinguishes Christmas from most religious celebrations is that non-Christians widely observed it even.
It’s worth remembering, though, that the exact date of Jesus’ birth is uncertain. Christmas was chosen because it coincided with the Roman calendar’s winter solstice.
They observed Christmas as a cultural rather than a religious celebration in many countries.
2. Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is one of the major December global celebrations. For some, it is a day of family gatherings, while for others; it is a day to attend church services.
People joyfully celebrate the global holiday of December 24th as a symbol and tradition of Christmas celebrations.
The one thing that all of us have in common is that our world was dark before we got light: Jesus came to Earth. People joyfully celebrate this glorious eve of Christmas as a tribute to Jesus, who brought hope and joy to the world.
Some people attend church or spend time with their family on this auspicious day, while others celebrate and catch up with old acquaintances. On this day, they made special foods such as ham and cookies.
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3. New Year’s Eve
Christmas Eve is one of the major December global celebrations. For some, it is a day of family gatherings, while for others; it is a day to attend church services.
People joyfully celebrate the global holiday of December 24th as a symbol and tradition of Christmas celebrations.
The one thing that all of us have in common is that our world was dark before we got light: Jesus came to Earth.
People joyfully celebrate this glorious eve of Christmas as a tribute to Jesus, who brought hope and joy to the world.
Some people attend church or spend time with their family on this auspicious day, while others celebrate and catch up with old acquaintances.
4. International Human Solidarity Day
They found the International Red Cross in 1863, and they marked today as International Human Solidarity Day.
The day also honors the International Red Cross‘ founding ideals of humanism, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.
Human solidarity is the global recognition that we are all one people with responsibilities to one another.
They celebrate this principle on International Human Solidarity Day, which urges everyone to consider how they may promote human solidarity in their own lives.
This significant day of the December 2022 global celebrations also serves as a reminder that we are all connected and should all do our best.
5. Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is one of the most major December global celebrations. They held it every year on December 10th all around the world.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on this day of 1948.
This constitution outlines a set of basic rights and freedoms that all individuals possess. This is regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender,
Every year on Human Rights Day, the United Nations hosts an event. This is to celebrate the passage of the declaration and to discuss progress in the fight to defend human rights.
The right to life, liberty, and freedom from slavery are only a few of the human rights guaranteed in the UDHR.
6. Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a day to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary among all the December Global Holidays.
Catholics believe God gave us Mary as our mother, and they commemorate her birthday every year on December 8th. God chose as Jesus’ mother that Mary because she was sinless and pure.
As a result, tourists fly to Brazil to see how Catholics commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception by visiting a church and praying.
They can also say a particular prayer known as a “novena,” which is said nine times in a row to thank or ask for her help.
7. Hannukah
Hannukah, also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish festival. It begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew calendar month of Kislev.
Each year, according to the Gregorian calendar, the first day of Hannukah varies. The festival will take place between November 28 and December 6 this year.
Hannukah commemorates the re-dedication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple. It follows the Maccabean Revolt. Throughout the eight days of festivity, candles are lit every night.
The singing of unique songs, such as Ma’oz Tzur, and the recitation of the Hallel prayer, are additional hallmarks of Hannukah.
8. World AIDS Day
In August 1987, James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter came up with the idea for World AIDS Day. Bunn and Netter were working for the World Health Organization’s Global Programme on AIDS as public information officers.
They observed the first World AIDS Day the following year on December 1, which has remained the holiday’s official date ever since.
The goal of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to remember people who have been afflicted or affected by the disease.
There are a variety of ways to mark the occasion, including visiting orphaned children. Also, funding safe-sex programs and pressing governments to increase efforts to stop the spread of HIV.
9. Yule
Yule, often known as Yuletide, is a Germanic festival celebrated all over the world. The celebration has pagan origins, including links to the Norse god Odin and the Anglo-Saxon Feast of Modraniht.
Yuletide is one of the oldest and most prominent winter holidays in the world, as it coincides with the Winter Solstice.
Yule was celebrated by igniting a large log in a bonfire and spending the entire night outside. Although logs still do burn today, most people celebrate Yule by creating a Yule altar.
Producing an evergreen Yule wreath, or giving back to Mother Nature. Candlelit dinners and Yule tree decorations, as well as the exchange of nature-themed gifts, are popular.
10. Festivus
Festivus is a December global festival that gained popularity in 1997 because of a Seinfeld episode called “The Strike.”
The goal of this mock holiday is to raise awareness about Christmas materialism. Festivus is observed by standing around a plain aluminum pole rather than purchasing an expensive Christmas tree.
“Feats of Strength” and “airing of grievances” are two more popular Festivus practices.
Some analysts have slammed Festivus supporters, describing them as anti-traditionalists with erroneous ideas about Christmas and its genuine significance.
The holiday has grown in popularity, particularly among budget spenders and minimalists.
11. Boxing Day
On how Boxing Day came to be and how to celebrate it, there has always been a division of opinion. Some individuals believe that after Christmas, this was the formal day when churches gave charity boxes to the impoverished.
Others regard Boxing Day as the day to thank errand boys, postmen, and other types of servants for their efforts throughout the year.
Regardless of its historical significance, Boxing Day is one of the most well-known December holidays. Several countries around the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, have proclaimed the date a public holiday.
Boxing Day is usually commemorated in these nations through sporting events.
12. St. Stephen’s Day
Every year on December 26th, St. Stephen’s Day commemorates they stoned St. Stephen to death after preaching for 40 days to his people.
Stephen, according to mythology, died while holding a stone handed to him by Lord Jesus. This guaranteed that none of his followers would ever die from it.
He was a Roman Catholic priest, and they ordained him as Hungary’s first Christian King on the same date, around 1000 AD in Esztergom (Hungary).
This day, one of the most prominent December global holidays in the UK is commemorated with traditional foods such as stuffed cabbage and halushky (buckwheat dumplings).
13. Kwanza
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration. They dedicate it to the seven principles that take place during the December global festivities. And it brings together family, culture, and community.
Unity, Collective Responsibility, Self-Determination, Creativity, Purpose, Cooperative Economics, and Faith are among the principles.
We know it as Nguzo Saba, which translates to “the seven principles that lead Kwanzaa celebrations.
The Nguzo Saba is an African proverb that offers guiding principles for behavior. It is like what we term ethics and morality,” explains Kwanzaa founder Maulana Karenga.
People usually get together during this time to rejoice and exchange food, music, and gifts. Also, burning candles on each day of the holiday.
14. Bodhi Day
On December 8, Bodhi Day commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama. He later became the Buddha Shakyamuni after experiencing his first taste of freedom.
This festival has become popular in various nations as an alternative New Year celebration. This is especially among Buddhists, among the important December global holidays.
Bodhi Day is the primary day of Buddhist observance, and spiritual communities observe it all around the world.
It commemorates Buddha’s death and the achievement of his highest insight into spiritual truth. Sambuddhatva Jayanthi, or “the Birthday or awakening of Sambuddha,” is another name for this lovely day of learning.
Your flights to Japan can transport you to an eye-opening encounter that is one of the most significant events in human history.
15. Krampusnacht
Krampusnacht is a festival commemorating Krampus, a demonic beast who punishes misbehaving youngsters.
Your flights to Germany may transport you to this unique festival experience. The origins of the holiday are unknown. However, it may have scared youngsters into behaving during the Christmas season.
Krampusnacht is a German and European holiday celebrated at the beginning of December, with celebrations varying from town to town.
A group of young males dressed as scary animals may go door-to-door scaring children in some towns.
This has now become one of Europe’s national December global holidays. People celebrate with parties, parades, delicious snacks, drinks, and music.
16. St. Lucia’s Day
St. Lucia’s Day is another prominent global December festival. It celebrates the emergence of a bright star in the sky that led the three Kings to Bethlehem to visit the newborn baby Jesus.
Giving children gift baskets, including traditional St. Lucia’s Day products like candles, sweets, and fruits, are a popular way to commemorate the day.
Many individuals also plan flights to Sweden to take part in the Christmas celebrations. This includes singing Christmas carols and sharing gifts.
Wearing a wreath of candles on your head is another popular St. Lucia’s Day tradition. Saint Lucia is also said to have brought food and aid to Christians who were being persecuted during the persecution period.
17. Las Posadas
Las Posadas, a part of Christmas celebrations and December global holidays, commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s and Joseph’s perilous voyage.
The rumored Mary and Joseph to be looking for a place to stay so Mary could give birth to Jesus, but no one would let them in.
After a long fight, the shelter was established. They commemorate Las Posadas to honor that moment of hospitality.
Today, it is one of the most major December global celebrations. With friends and families joyously going from house to house, singing traditional songs while seeking shelter.
The residents of the residences usually provide food and refreshments.
18. The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
They observed this holiday on December 12th. It commemorates the Virgin Mary’s visit to a young indigenous man on December 12th, 1531.
Although this holiday is a national holiday and is a bank holiday, it is a working day for most businesses. Many businesses will have liturgies and dinners for their employees.
People from all across Mexico flock to Mexico’s most important religious institution. The Basilica of the Virgen de Guadalupe is in Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, a northern Mexico City neighborhood.
The Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) will be honored with a mass ceremony and a customary fair in her honor.
19. World Pollution Prevention Day
On December 2, the world commemorates World Pollution Prevention Day. With movements like ‘Fridays for Future’ gaining traction, the globe doesn’t need many reminders to understand the effects of climate change any longer.
However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone plays a part in the fight against pollution. They cannot accomplish a clean environment solely via the efforts of a small group of people.
Planting a sapling, properly disposing of waste, recycling plastic things are something people observe as efforts toward making our world a more sustainable place to live. So get started right now!
20. Nobel Prize Day
Nobel Prize Day falls on December 10 every year. It honors the achievements of Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish engineer, chemist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
We have all heard of the Nobel Prize which recognizes outstanding achievements in various fields in the arts and sciences. Nobel Prize Day is a tribute to the person who instituted the prize.
Alfred Nobel was born to impoverished parents in Stockholm. But his father was a descendant of a highly regarded Swedish scientist and writer, Olaus, or Olof, Rudbeck.
His father was an engineer himself and Alfred Nobel expressed early interest in engineering, and explosives in particular.
21. National Horse Day
Every year on December 13th, they observed National Horse Day. It’s a day to honor horses for their economic, historical, and cultural achievements.
On December 13, horse lovers from all over the country will gather to show their support for these magnificent beasts.
Check out various ways to commemorate the day, whether you’re a seasoned rider or have never ridden a horse before.
Since 2004, Congress has recognized December 13 as National Horse Day. With Americans celebrating and appreciating the horse’s significance in not just helping our country become what it is today.
But also in its current position in the modern period.
22. Saint Nicholas Day
Saint Nicholas Day, celebrated on December 6th, honors the third-century saint who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus.
St. Nicholas is noted for selling everything he owns and donating the proceeds to the impoverished. They raised St. Nicholas as a devout Christian who dedicated his life to helping the ill and afflicted.
Legendary stories about St. Nicholas later served as inspiration for Santa Claus as we know him today.
A daughter’s chances of marriage improved in the third century when her father paid a hefty dowry to prospective spouses.
An impoverished man with three daughters is the subject of one narrative. He couldn’t offer a dowry because he didn’t have any.
23. Ōmisoka
Just like New Year’s Eve, they celebrate Omisoka as the beginning of a new year with new possibilities. But their celebrations are a little different. Japanese New Year takes place on the last day of the year.
To prepare for a new year and a clean slate, people purify their homes and remove last year’s clutter. This is done by cleaning from top to bottom.
This is called “osoji”. They have a giant feast with friends and family with some traditional Japanese foods.
Often people go out to celebrate or stay home and watch a nationwide New Year’s talent competition until it’s time to countdown to midnight.
24. Republic Day of Malta
Every year on December 13, Malta celebrates Republic Day or ‘Jum ir-Repubblika.’ For the public, it is a public holiday, and schools and most businesses are closed.
Malta is an archipelago in the middle Mediterranean Sea. It is halfway between Sicily and the coast of North Africa.
The country is noted for its ancient sites dating back to the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French, and British monarchs.
Many fortifications, megalithic temples, and the al Saflieni Hypogeum are among the many tourist sites in Malta. It’s a small country with a population of a little over 500,000 people.
25. Unduvap Full Moon Poya in Sri Lanka
This public holiday in Sri Lanka takes place on the full moon day of Unduvap. The ninth month in the Sinh celebrates the Bo tree sapling in Anuradhapura, brought by Ashoka’s daughter, Sangamitta.
They said Lord Buddh has attained Enlightenment by meditating under a Bodhi Tree in Bihar, India.
In the 3rd century BC, Sangamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Ashoka, brought a sapling from this Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka, arriving on Unduvap Poya day.
Today, Buddhists revere the tree all over the world, and are one of Sri Lanka’s most precious treasures.
On Unduvap Poya day, thousands of devotees flock to Anuradhapura to pay reverence to the sacred Bo tree and to follow the five precepts in order to live exemplary lives.
FAQs
1. Why is New Year so Close to Christmas?
December 25th, Christmas Day, was most likely chosen because it is precisely nine months after March 25th. Scholars believe that Jesus’ crucifixion occurred on the anniversary of his conception because of 3rd century beliefs.
2. Why is New Year’s Eve Celebrated?
The origins of New Year’s Eve celebrations can be traced back to pre-Christian European traditions. When many people in Europe converted to Christianity, they blended these festivals with Christian beliefs. It eventually became holidays like New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
3. What Country has a Different Day as a New Year’s Day?
A tiny village in Vietnam has its new year from April 13 to 15. Because the Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, it occurs on different dates each year.
4. What Countries/Nations Don’t Celebrate the New Year?
‣ China. They celebrated Chinese New Year in the first week of February. …
‣ India. Every State of India celebrates New Year as per local calendar on 14th or 15th April. …
‣ Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka celebrates on 14th April. …
‣ UAE, Saudi Arabia, & other GCC countries. …
‣ Korea.
5. Why is New Year’s Day Chosen in the Middle of Winter?
Julius Caesar decreed in 45 B.C.E. that the new year would begin on January 1st, the month named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. The Julian calendar, which is based on the sun, replaced the earlier lunar calendar.
Evidently, there are a plethora of December international holidays to help you celebrate the end of the year in style.
Remember that December isn’t simply for splurging on the nicer things in life. It’s also the ideal time to thank people who have actually made the previous year worthwhile by showering them with gifts.
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