December Isn’t Just About Christmas.

Every December, it’s the same scene of Christmas lights, big decorated trees  and New Year’s plans that dominate conversations. But what if we told you there’s a whole world of holidays in the month of December that many people barely acknowledge?

Take Hanukkah, for example; it’s a celebration of perseverance and community. Or how about Kwanzaa, where families honor African culture, light a kinara, and focus on values like unity and self-determination?

Then on Dec.21, there’s the Winter Solstice (Yule). For centuries, people across the globe have used the shortest day of the year to reflect on endings, beginnings and the power of light returning to darkness. Some celebrate with bonfires; others with feasts you could think of as nature’s New Year.

In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, Dec.13 marks Saint Lucia’s Day, a festival of light honoring the Christian martyr Saint Lucia. It’s celebrated with processions, candles and traditional saffron buns, symbolizing hope in the darkest days of winter.

On Dec.8, Buddhists observe Bodhi Day, commemorating the day Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha. It’s a day of meditation, gratitude, and peaceful reflection.

In Mexico and among Catholics worldwide, Dec.12 is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This day honors the Virgin Mary’s appearance to Saint Juan Diego in 1531. It’s marked by processions, prayers and vibrant celebrations of faith and culture.

Even beyond cultural celebrations, December holds days like Human Rights Day (Dec. 10), reminding us to stand up for what’s right, and International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec. 3), pushing for inclusion in a world that often forgets.

Celebrating these overlooked holidays makes the season richer, more interesting and way more inclusive. Next time you’re putting up your tree, take a second to ask yourself: Who else is celebrating today? You might just find a new favorite tradition.