The 14 Holidays
Happy Holidays Is Not Offensive
Despite causing offense to some individuals who prefer “Merry Christmas,” the greeting “Happy Holidays” demonstrates respect by extending warm sentiments to people who celebrate different seasonal events. During the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas people celebrate at least 14 different holidays many of which are not based on Christian traditions. The timeframe from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day stands as one of the year’s most jubilant periods because it includes various holidays from multiple cultures and traditions. This section presents 14 holidays that create joy and unity throughout the unique festive season.
Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November)
The United States marks the beginning of its holiday season with Thanksgiving as people gather to celebrate their gratitude for the year’s harvest and blessings through a festive feast. People come together to share turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.
Black Friday (Day after Thanksgiving)
The day after Thanksgiving known as Black Friday has evolved into a vital shopping occasion that heralds the beginning of Christmas shopping through substantial discounts.
Hanukkah (Dates vary)
The Festival of Lights refers to Hanukkah which marks an eight-day Jewish celebration about the Second Temple’s rededication in Jerusalem. During Hanukkah people celebrate by lighting the menorah while playing dreidel and eating foods such as “latkes” and “sufganiyot.”
Advent (Starts four Sundays before Christmas)
Christians use Advent as a period to prepare for Christmas. The Advent season includes candle lighting on a wreath while focusing on themes like hope, peace, joy, and love.
St. Nicholas Day (December 6)
Many European nations celebrate St. Nicholas Day to honor the patron saint of children. The celebration of St. Nicholas Day includes giving children small gifts or sweets which resembles Santa Claus traditions.
Bodhi Day (December 8)
Bodhi Day celebrates the enlightenment experience of Siddhartha Gautama beneath the Bodhi tree as the historical Buddha. Buddhists honor Bodhi Day through meditation sessions and educational study paired with performing kind deeds.
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This is a holy day for Catholics celebrating the Virgin Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego in Mexico. Catholics observe this major feast day to honor the Virgin Mary’s visitation to Juan Diego in Mexico. The feast day incorporates masses along with processions and traditional music performances.
St. Lucia Day (December 13)
The main celebration of St. Lucia Day happens in Scandinavia where people honor Saint Lucia who helped Christians in the Roman catacombs by bringing them food and assistance. Processions and singing together with saffron buns highlight the day.
Las Posadas (December 16-24)
Las Posadas is a Mexican custom that recreates the journey of Mary and Joseph to find lodging prior to Jesus’ birth. Participants move through houses each night singing and praying before ending with celebrations that include piñatas.
Winter Solstice (December 21 or 22)
The Winter Solstice occurs when the day reaches its shortest length and the night its greatest duration. The way people celebrate differs but includes Yule from pagan traditions where people light candles and fires to represent light returning.
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Families gather together while enjoying festive meals and attending midnight masses on Christmas Eve as they prepare for Christmas Day. The tradition of exchanging gifts alongside Christmas tree decorations is followed by many people.
Christmas Day (December 25)
We all know this one! The most beloved of the 14 holidays, Christmas Day celebrates Jesus Christ’s birth worldwide through festive meals and gift exchanges along with traditional caroling and nativity plays.
Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage, emphasizing seven principles: The celebration of Kwanzaa emphasizes seven key principles which include Unity and Self-Determination along with Collective Work and Responsibility Cooperative Economics Purpose Creativity and Faith.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
The New Year’s Eve celebration ends the year with parties, fireworks displays and countdowns to midnight. The New Year’s Eve period serves as an opportunity to reflect on the previous year while looking forward to what the new year will bring.
The festive season showcases a variety of cultural and religious celebrations that feature their distinctive traditions and joyful experiences. These holidays provide a chance to explore different ways people unite to celebrate together and look back on their year through feasting and candle lighting with loved ones.
We hope you find warmth and joy along with meaningful connections throughout your holiday season.