The end of the year is jam-packed with festivals and holidays celebrating beliefs from many different cultural backgrounds. Here is a quick reminder about the major events that inspire all of the festivities we enjoy during the upcoming month:
- Hanukkah: December 6 through 14
- The eight-day festival of light symbolized by the eight candles of the menorah. Gatherings and festivities involve traditional foods, gifts, and games.
- Christmas Day: December 25
- The day commemorating and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ symbolized by nativity scenes and a decorated evergreen tree. Observations of this day involve music and carols, along with traditional foods and gifts.
- Kwanzaa: December 26 - January 1
- The seven-day festival of harvest symbolized by the seven candles of the kinara, the seven symbols, and the seven principles. Gatherings and festivities include African drums, singing and dancing, along with a large traditional meal.
- New Year's Eve: December 31
- The last day of the year and the close of the holiday season that is celebrated across the world with parties and countdowns during the final seconds before midnight.