The weather is frightful, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate! There are so many holidays in December and January:
Las Posadas – December 16 – 24 – celebrated by Hispanic and Latine cultures that commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey to find a safe space to give birth to Jesus.
Hanukkah – December 18 – 26 – A Jewish celebration that commemorates the Maccabean victory to defend their religion.
Solstice – December 21 – The longest night of the year, this astronomical event is celebrated in a variety of ways around the world.
Yule – December 21 – January 1 – A type of winter solstice festival, this pagan ritual celebrates the return of the sun.
Christmas – December 25 – A Christian holiday celebrated by many in North America, this holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus.
Kwanzaa – December 26 – January 1 – A nonpolitical, non religious African-American holiday that lasts for 7 days, each dedicated to a founding principle: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).
New Years Eve/Day - December 31 – January 1 – A nonreligious holiday celebrating the new year.
Lunar New Year – January 22 – This festival is primarily celebrated in Asian cultures and celebrates the new year of the lunar cycle.
Whether you are trimming a tree, lighting a menorah, burning a Yule log, or just spending time with family, check out these books to celebrate some winter holidays – or learn all about new ones!
Written by Lisa Clark, Youth Collection Coordinator
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