There are very few months that hold multicultural celebrations. December happens to be one filled with them.

Here in the U.S, we have created an environment that is not inclusive when it comes to holiday celebrations. Primarily because it’s Christmas-centric and not multi-cultural. I write about this here (overemphasizing holidays blog)

But holidays are essential to a student’s culture. Having lessons around them is a great way to help students see diverse cultures and give them a global perspective. It’s vital to know other cultures, languages, and traditions because it builds students’ cultural competence and, above all, mutual respect for one another. 

It’s as I always say, “helping them see outside their bubble.”

So I have created a list of other celebrations that occur in December. 

Humanism:

Humanist Day

December 23 – a celebration during the western world’s holiday season for those who do not observe those specific holidays. Book- A Day In The Life Of A Young Humanist

Buddhist:

Bodhi Day

December 8th – celebrating Buddha’s day of enlightenment.
Books- Zen and Bodhi’s Snowy Day or Under The Bodhi Tree

Hinduism:

Pancha Ganapati

December 21- 25 – the festival of giving in honor of Ganesha.
Book – Pancha Ganapati

Judaism:

Hanukkah

Not a specific date each year – the festival of lights.
Books – The Story of Hanukkah or Hanukkah Bear

Secular:

Kwanzaa

Dec 26 – Jan 1 – A Pan-African festival that celebrates family, community, and culture.
Books – My First Kwanzaa , Seven Spools of Thread or The Story Of Kwanzaa

Boxing Day

Dec 26 – celebrated in many countries formed by the British Empire. Historically it was a day to give to the less fortunate.

International Day of Disabled Persons

Dec 3 – This day formed by the United Nations aims to promote an understanding of disability issues. To advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities as well as the awareness of the importance of integration.
Books- My Friend Suhana: A Story of Friendship and Celebral Palsy , I Am Me , I Will Dance , Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave Be You.

Human Rights Day

Dec 10 – This is exactly what it sounds like. A day to celebrate and honor human rights.

Winter or Winter Solstice Celebrations:

Winter Solstice

On or around Dec 21 – the day of the year with the fewest daylight hours. The days after start becoming longer and nights shorter.
Books – The Winter Solstice or The Shortest Day

Yule

Late December – A Germanic winter festival
Books – Yule: A Celebration of Light and Warmth or The Legend of the Icelandic Yule Lads

Shabe Yalda/ Shabe Chelle

Dec 21 – Iranian winter solstice festival
Book – Night of Yalda

Koliada

Slavic winter festival

Dongzhi 

Dec 21 – A festival in celebration of winter in many East Asian countries

Soyal

Dec 21 – celebrated by the Zuni and Hopi people

End Of Year Celebrations:

New Year’s Eve

Dec 31 – Last day of the Gregorian calendar

Omisoka

Dec 31 – Japanese celebration

Hogmanay

Dec 31- Scottish celebration
Book – Hogmanay: Fun In Scotland

These were just some celebrations I found as I was researching. What other holidays do you celebrate in December? What else can I add to the list?

Here’s the deal- do you have to decorate your whole room Instagram style to incorporate these celebrations? No.

Just bring awareness to them. If you are discussing holidays in your classroom, don’t just give students YOUR world view; provide them with THE world view.