Let's Celebrate Our Diversity!
December
1st
:
Advent Begins
-
holy season and a time of prayer in the Christian calendar
1st
:
World AIDS Day
-
day dedicated to raising awareness of AIDS pandemic
7th
:
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- to remember and honor the brave United States men and women who were killed in the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii
22nd
:
Hanukkah (Chanukah)
- Jewish festival commemorating the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire; celebrated with lighting the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts
25th
:
Christmas
- annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ though celebrated by both Christians and non-Christians alike; celebrated with an elaborate exchange of gifts and Santa Claus (originating from St. Nicholas)
26th
:
Boxing Day
- a day spent with family and friends in many countries; generally originates from and revolves around giving the less fortunate food and trinkets the day after Christmas festivities
26th
:
Kwanzaa
- honors African heritage in African-American culture; culminates in gift-giving and a feast; Core Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith
31st
:
New Year's Eve
- last day of the Gregorian calendar year; celebrated at evening social gatherings with dancing, food, drinks, and sometimes fireworks
January
1st
:
New Year's Day
- first day of the modern Gregorian calendar as well as Julian calendar; originally dedicated to Janus in Rome, god of gateways and beginnings (for whom January is also named)
20th
:
Martin Luther King's Birthday
- American federal holiday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King; MLK was an advocate and nonviolent activist for racial equality in laws including the Civil Rights Movement
25th
:
Chinese New Year
- year of the rat; celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar; AKA Lunar New Year, Spring Festival