In many countries, December is the ultimate holiday month. The main reason for that is Christmas. Traditions may vary from country to country, but the reason for celebrating is everywhere the same: the birth of Jesus Christ. This is also the reason, why Christmas is only celebrated in Christian countries. The actual festive day is the 25th, but in many countries, the festivities begin the night before. Also, the 26th is a holiday in many countries, for example in Germany, Great Britian or Italy. In Great Britain the 26th is called Boxing Day, in Italy it is called St. Stephan’s day and commemorates St. Stephan, the first Christian martyr.
Spain celebrates its Constitution Day on the 6th. It commemorates the political reform of Spain and the end of dictatorship in 1975. On December 6, 1978 Spain became a democracy.
Christmas is not the only holiday of the Christian religion in December. Children are looking forward to Saint Nicholas on the 6th. In many European countries it is an occasion to give presents to children. Many children put their shoes in front of the chimney or the door. On the next morning, they will find small presents and sweets in them. Saint Nicholas, as we know him today, goes back to the bishop of Myra, who live in the fourth century.
December 8th commemorates the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. It a national holiday in Austria, Argentina, Spain and Italy.
But not only Christians celebrate big holidays in December.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which is celebrated for eight days, this year from 2nd to the 9th. It is also known as the festival of lights and commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Traditionally, families gather to celebrate together. Often, the kids receive little presents. An important part of the celebrations is the Menorah, a nine-branch candelabrum.
On the 7th December, the Islamic New Year is celebrated. It commemorates Mohammeds flight from Mekka to Medina, where the first Islamic state was founded. It is a quiet holiday, especially compared to other new year celebrations on the 31st December. [DE]
