December Holidays Around the World

St. Nicholas Day December

St. Nicholas Day Facts Originated in: Originated in: Catholic European countries Associated with: Associated with: the patron St. Nicholas Celebrated to: Celebrated to: award children with sweets and gifts Traditions: Traditions: feast, poems, small gifts, candies, nuts, and fruit placed in shoes or stockings

Bodhi Day December

Bodhi Day Facts Originated in: Originated in: East Asia Associated with: Associated with: Buddha Celebrates: Celebrates: anniversary of Buddha’s enlightenment Traditions: Traditions: A meal of rice and milk; a cultural, personal observance

St. Lucia Day December

St. Lucia Day Facts Originated in: Originated in: Sweden Associated with: Associated with: patron St. Lucia Celebrates: Celebrates: church feast holiday dedicated to St. Lucia Traditions: Traditions: a girl portrays St. Lucia in a procession; eating gingersnap cookies; eating Lussekat buns; singing carols

Eid ul-Adha December

Eid ul-Adha Facts Originated in: Originated in: Middle East Associated with: Associated with: Muslim religion Celebrates: Celebrates: Abraham’s willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son Traditions: Traditions: re-enactments of Abraham’s obedience by sacrificing a cow or ram, donating a large portion of the meal to the poor, exchange of presents and cards, praying

Tohji-taisai December

Tohji-taisai Facts Originated in: Originated in: Japan Associated with: Associated with: Shinto religion Celebrates: Celebrates: Sun Goddess Amaterasu Traditions: Traditions: bonfires, eating pumpkin, honoring the dead

Christmas December

Christmas Facts Originated in: Originated in: Rome Associated with: Associated with: Christianity Celebrates: Celebrates: the birth of Jesus Traditions: Traditions: giving gifts, church services, spending time with family, putting up Christmas tree

Boxing Day December

Boxing Day Facts Originated in: Originated in: England Associated with: Associated with: Queen Victoria Celebrates: Celebrates: Charity Traditions: Traditions: Donating time or money, giving gifts to poor children, helping a family in need, shopping

Junkanoo December

Junkanoo Facts Originated in: Originated in: the Bahamas Associated with: Associated with: African culture Celebrates: Celebrates: the Bahamian culture through a street festival of singing and dancing Traditions: Traditions: intricate costumes, ringing cow bells, beating drums, group competitions

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