Happy almost December! There are many wonderful ways to celebrate this month, from Christmas to Chanukah to Kwanzaa. All are wonderful reasons to bring family and friends together. But those aren't the only three holidays happening this month — there are other meaningful and important events and holidays happening in December as well, some of which you've heard of, and some of which may be new to you!
Here are eight special holidays and events that your family can celebrate or learn more about in December:
Rosa Parks Day
Rosa Parks Day, marked in just a few states, recognizes the day Parks was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Ala., bus. That bus is now housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., giving visitors a chance to sit in the very place Rosa Parks sat during that defining moment of the Civil Rights Movement. Dec. 1
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International Day of People with Disabilities
One billion people live with disabilities worldwide. December 3 is designated by the United Nations as the International Day of People With Disabilities, an annual occasion designated to join together to support people with disability and raise awareness of the importance of creating equal opportunity for people with disabilities in all aspects. Find out more. Dec. 3
Las Posadas
Las Posadas, which translates to "The Inns" in Spanish is a religious festival that is a traditional and important part of the Christmas festivities in Mexico, parts of Latin America and within Hispanic communities in the United States. Las Posadas is often organized by neighborhood committees, with a different host family each night. Visitors, who ask for lodging for Joseph and Mary, bring food, candy, and star-shaped piñatas to celebrate. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung. Dec. 16-24
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Chanukah
The eight-day Jewish celebration, often called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. We love these amazing sweet potato latkes. Dec. 18-26
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Winter Solstice
Need to explain the winter solstice to your kids? This is the day that has the shortest period of daylight of the year. In 2022 the winter solstice falls at exactly 4:47 p.m. EST. Dec. 21
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Christmas Day
Merry Christmas! Traditions for Christmas range from religious to secular and include gift exchanges, decorated Christmas trees and light displays, church services, visits with Santa, and meals with family and friends. No matter how you celebrate, may your day be merry and bright. Dec. 25
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Kwanzaa
This annual celebration was started in the U.S. as a way to honor African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa has seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Talk to your kids about how they incorporate those principles into their lives! Dec. 26-Jan. 1
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New Year's Eve
Happy New Year! Have littles who won't be able to stay up until midnight? Celebrate with your own Noon Year's Eve celebration — they don't need to know it's a few hours early! Here are three ideas on how to throw an at-home New Year's Eve celebration kids will love. Dec. 31
