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Things to Celebrate in December


Christmas often comes to town before your jack-o-lanterns have a chance to gather dust. One minute you are shopping for Halloween candy, the next, Christmas is seemingly right in your face. It begins in the craft store holiday sections and spreads like newly fallen snow. Before you know it, Christmas is everywhere: Starbucks, retail stores, and Facebook memes.

While it is interesting to see what situations that Elf on a Shelf will get himself into, not everyone celebrates Christmas. Just because someone does not observe this holiday does not mean December does not have to be festive. There are numerous things to be cheerful about even if Santa Clause and reindeers do not resonate with you.

What Else Is There?

The month of December begins with pure yumminess. December 1st is National Red Apple Day, and December 2nd is National Fritter Day. Apples one day, fritters the next. You could combine the two holidays, make apple fritters and have a two-day celebration. In this way, you can hardly lose.

December 1st is also Worlds AIDS Awareness Day. World AIDS Awareness Day is dedicated to remembering those who lost the fight against HIV and AIDS. It brings greater awareness to communities about the two diseases since they are not talked about as much as they used to be. In a world where Covid has taken over, causes like HIV and AIDS awareness have taken a back seat. If there is not an event in your area, you and your friends could always plan one for your community.

Love brownies and need a reason to celebrate? You will love December 8th. Yes, there is an entire day dedicated to brownies. Brownie exchanges are a great way to gather friends and co-workers. If you get a baking bug on December 8th but do not feel like eating, call your local shelters and ask if they will accept a pan of brownies. Not only have you satisfied your craving to bake, but you also get to give something back to your community when you are done. It is a win-win situation.  

December 16th is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. At this point, you are well into the month of holiday festivities and no longer need a reason to indulge in the consumption of chocolate. However, it is nice to know there is an entire day to try all the chocolate-covered things your heart desires.

For Those Who Love Christmas

Christmas has a way of sneaking up on you to the point that you may find yourself at the mall on Christmas Eve at five in the afternoon searching for more than one gift. Luckily, someone was brilliant enough to create days to help you stairstep your way to the big day.

For example, December 4th is Santa’s List Day. With twenty days until Christmas, this day gives you the chance to get your lists together if you have not already. Plan your route and your budget accordingly.

Europeans seem to feel the struggle of Christmas shopping and have made December 6th Bartender Appreciation Day. If you are of European descent, this may be a day for you as well. You do not have to engage in the consumption of alcohol to appreciate a bartender. Bartenders are part friend, part problem-solver, part brain-stormer, and part spirit provider. They do not have an easy job and often go unappreciated year-round.

If you are always late sending out Christmas cards, December 9th, National Christmas Card Day, is the day for you. Feel free to use this day as your deadline to get those Christmas cards in the mail. If all your Christmas cards are going to friends and family nearby, you could use this day to make your Christmas cards.

Other Holidays in December

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, as different cultures and religions have different beliefs. The Jewish tradition of Hanukkah lasts for eight days in November and December, and celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. So the story goes, after a religious revolt, the Maccabees (the victors of the revolt) could only find enough oil to light their lamps for one night, but it lasted eight. That is why it lasts for eight days and why the menorah has eight candles to be lit.

Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday lasting from December 26 to January 1. Kwanzaa is the Swahili word for “first” and the festival celebrates the first fruits of the harvest in Africa. Many people of African descent celebrate this holiday.

Not everyone observes Christmas, but this time of year can still be festive and fun. Whether your reasons are religious, trauma-related, or otherwise, your views should be respected. Some people don’t follow the Christian tradition of Christmas, while others find the month of December to be a difficult time of the year, perhaps because of the loss of a loved one they’re missing. There are other things to celebrate in December if Christmas isn’t your thing or if it brings you down. If you are having difficulty finding joy in the holiday season, you are not alone. If you are suffering from depression you might have difficulty with finding joy in anything. The holiday season may make every day seem like a challenge. Depression can keep you from attending holiday functions. It does not have to be that way. SokyaHealth is here to help you work through the holiday blues. Call 866-932-1767 for help today.

More than 50% of Americans struggle with mental health.

Headlight is now collaborating with health plans and companies to make therapy more accessible and affordable. Speak to a Care Coordinator today.