December is a month filled with festive cheer and joyful celebrations, but it also boasts several lesser-known holidays that are worthy of recognition. Here are ten December holidays you may not have heard of, but might just want to add to your annual celebrations.
1. St. Nicholas Day – 6th December
St. Nicholas Day honors the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants. In some countries, kids wake up on December 6th to find candies and small gifts in their shoes as a tribute to the legendary acts of kindness performed by St. Nicholas.
2. National Brownie Day – 8th December
Feed your sweet tooth on this scrumptious holiday dedicated to the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies. Celebrate by baking a batch yourself or indulging in your favorite store-bought variety.
3. World Choral Day – 12th December
Founded in 1990, World Choral Day aims to unite choirs from around the world through song. Attending a holiday-themed choral performance could be the perfect way to add some holiday cheer and discover new music while supporting local artists.
4. Monkey Day – 14th December
This whimsical event launched in 2000 by two Michigan art students celebrates monkeys and everything simian-related. Embrace Monkey Day by watching classic movies featuring monkey stars or learning about primate conservation.
5. Pythagorean Theorem Day – 16th December
Pythagorean Theorem Day is observed when the month, day, and year can create a Pythagorean triple. Mark your calendar for the next celebration on December 16, 2024 (12² + 16² = 20²); math enthusiasts can join in by solving puzzles and appreciating the beauty of mathematics.
6. Wright Brothers Day – 17th December
Celebrate the incredible achievements of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright on this national day of recognition. Visit an aviation museum, learn about the history of flight, or simply appreciate the wonder of air travel.
7. Bake Cookies Day – 18th December
Bake Cookies Day encourages people to whip up a batch of their favorite cookies to share with others. Indulge in the sweet spirit by organizing a cookie exchange with friends or family and discover new favorite recipes.
8. Winter Solstice – 21st December
Also known as Yule, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Many cultures celebrate with feasts, music, and rituals to welcome back the sun and rejoice in its returning light.
9. Festivus – 23rd December
Made famous by a Seinfeld episode, Festivus is a humorous, secular alternative to traditional holiday celebrations. Host your own Festivus party complete with an unadorned aluminum pole, “Airing of Grievances,” and “Feats of Strength.”
10. National Candy Cane Day – 26th December
The day after Christmas may be lackluster for some, but you can rekindle festive excitement by celebrating National Candy Cane Day. Share these iconic holiday treats with loved ones or try out some candy cane-inspired recipes.
These ten hidden gems are just a few examples of eclectic holidays that make December an even more magical month. Embrace something new during your holiday season and join in on these lesser-known festivities!
