Dec. 8 Bodhi Day -- Buddhist
commemorates the day that the Guatama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, also known as Rohatsu
Dec. 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe -- Catholic
a national holiday in Mexico, celebrates the appearance of nuestra señora de Guadalupe with a mass and festival
Dec. 19 Hanukkah -- Jewish
first of eight days, commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple in the 2nd century BCE; commonly observed by lighting candles on a menorah
Dec. 21 Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
occurs when the Earth's tilt reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun; often celebrated with festivals involving dancing, singing, and lights
Dec. 21 Yule -- Pagan and Wiccan
first of twelve days, originally observed by the Germanic peoples and occurs in relation to the winter solstice; celebration of the re-appearance of the sun and the land's rebirth
Dec. 25 Christmas -- Christian
an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ
Dec. 26 Kwanzaa -- African-American Culture
first of seven days, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa; celebrates African heritage, unity, and culture through dance, song, and food
