I am sure that you are all in full swing getting ready for the holiday season – planning menus, setting up the decorations, trying to work out what to get that person that has everything (I recommend donating to a charity in their name!). It can be time of mixed emotions for families, especially so for the children that are in your care, but opportunities for connection and reflection are a common theme at this time of year.
Whilst the festive season in the UK tends to be dominated by Christmas, did you know that there are also a variety of festivals and celebrations in December? – some for commemoration and others for seasonal change. Interfaith.org.uk describes as follows:
Advent Sunday – 1st Dec 2024 – Christian (Western Churches)
The start of the Christian year, four Mondays before Christmas. It is often celebrated by lighting the first candle in the advent crown – a circular wreath of greenery. A further three candles are lit on subsequent Mondays, culminating with the Christmas candle on the 25th of December. This signifies the transition from darkness to light.
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 1st Dec 2024 – Christian (Roman Catholic)
This day celebrates the doctrine, held mainly by Roman Catholics, that Mary herself was born free from Original Sin, leaving her sinless for the conception and bearing of Jesus.
Martyrdom of Sahibzada Ajit Singh and Sahibzada Jujhar Singh – 21st Dec 2024 – Sikh
This day commemorates the martyrdom of the elder sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
Winter Solstice/Yule – 21st Dec 2024 – Druid/Pagan
Yule is the time of the winter solstice, when the sun is reborn, an image of the return of all new life. Heathens celebrate Yule for twelve nights and days, starting the evening before the Winter Solstice (called Mother’s Night) when they think of their female ancestors and spiritual protectors. The night heralds the beginning of the major holiday in Heathenry.
Christmas Eve – 24th Dec 2024 – Christian
Christmas Eve – evening carol services, crib services and Midnight Masses inaugurate the festival of Christmas. Santa Claus (from the Dutch Sinter Klaus) is a legendary figure, based on St Nicholas of Myra, and is supposed to bring presents to children on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day – 25th Dec 2024 – Christian (Western Churches)
Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. Gifts are given as reminders of the offerings brought to the infant Jesus, and Christmas carols, plays and evergreens are associated with this time, while nativity sets are displayed in many churches and in some homes.
Zaratosht No Diso – 26th Dec 2024 – Zoroastrian (Iranian)
Zaratosht no diso is the death anniversary of Prophet Zarathushtra and is a sorrowful occasion. Tradition records that he was assassinated at the age of 77. It is customary to visit the Fire Temple, participate in special remembrance prayers and ponder upon the Gathas or Hymns of Zarathushtra, which embody his eternal message to humanity.
Martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh – 26th Dec 2024 – Sikh
This day commemorates the martyrdom of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh.
Hanukah – 26th Dec 2024 to 2nd Jan 2025- Jewish
Celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was recaptured from the Syrian Greeks by the Maccabee brothers in 165 BCE. For the eight evenings of the festival, candles are lit from right to left in a hanukkiah, a nine-branched menorah – one candle for each evening. The ninth candle is the shamash (the servant candle) from which the other candles are lit. Foods cooked with oil – such as doughnuts and latkes (potato cakes) – are traditional to remember the miracle with oil that happened at this time.
St Stephen’s Day – 26th Dec 2024 – Christian (Western Churches) or 27th Dec 2024 (Eastern Churches)
A Christian saint’s day commemorates Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr or protomartyr.
Omisoka – 31st Dec 2024 – Shinto
Japanese festival which prepares for the new year by cleansing Shinto home shrines and Buddhist altars. The bells of Buddhist temples are struck 108 times to warn against the 108 evils to be overcome.
Hogmanay – 31st Dec 2024 – National
A celebration widely observed throughout the UK, and especially in Scotland, where bagpipes, haggis and first footing are widespread. Clearing one’s debts, cleaning the house, welcoming guests and strangers and a host of other traditions feature at this time.
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Whether you or your young people, observe any of these festivals or have your own traditions, it can only be a good thing to learn and understand other festivals to find connection with your neighbours and wider community to foster harmony and goodwill.
By Lynsey Dobbs, Senior Recruitment Officer
Resources
National Geographic Kids – Winter Celebrations https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/pages/topic/winter-celebrations (accessed 13/12/24)
Winter Festivals: Holidays from Around the Globe, by Audra J. Evans
Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of winter holidays beyond Christmas with this comprehensive guide. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of global traditions, from Hanukkah’s Festival of Lights to Kwanzaa’s celebration of family and culture. Discover the astronomical significance of the winter solstice and explore the enchanting customs of Yule. Through vivid storytelling, this book unveils the unique rituals and symbols associated with each holiday, unravelling the rich cultural heritage that shapes our festive season. It explores the common themes of giving, community, and hope that unite these diverse celebrations. … It includes delightful holiday recipes, inspiring craft ideas, and enchanting stories that ignite imagination and foster a deep appreciation for the cultural diversity of winter holidays… Review by Amazon.co.uk, 2024
Sources
The Interfaith Network https://www.interfaith.org.uk/resources/religious-festivals (accessed 15/07/24)