December is known for Christmas, of course. But many other holidays are happening this month, too — some you may have heard of, and some are likely new to you.
We've rounded up some unique (and some just silly) holidays and events that your family will want to celebrate this month.
1. Cookie Day
December 4
This might be a made-up American holiday (initially founded in 1987 by a guy who worked at a cookie company), but that doesn't mean it's not worth celebrating.
Check out these easy cookie recipes from our archives!
2. Human Rights Day
December 10
The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be celebrated next year, so the United Nations is launching a year-long campaign to showcase the UDHR by focusing on its legacy, relevance, and activism.
Learn more about this year's theme — Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All — and how you can stand up for human rights around the world at www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day.
3. Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
December 16
Get creative with your family today by finding different foods to try dipped in chocolate. I mean, everyone has had chocolate-covered strawberries. But chocolate-covered bacon? Sure, I'll try it once!
Your kids are sure to love these Chocolate-Covered Pretzels.
4. Hanukkah
December 18-26
The eight-day celebration, also called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts.
5. Winter Solstice
December 21
Need to explain the winter solstice to your kids? This is the day when the Northern Hemisphere has tilted as far away from the sun as it will go. In 2022, the winter solstice falls at exactly 2:47 PM MST. From then on, each day will get a little bit longer until the summer solstice.
6. Festivus
December 23
This "holiday" became famous after a 1997 episode of Seinfeld. It is marked with a Festivus pole and the "Airing of Grievances," during which you tell everyone how they've disappointed you.
Hold your own Festivus — but only if your family has a good sense of humor!
7. Christmas Day
December 25
It's the day many kids have been waiting for since this time last year. What else is there to say?
8. Kwanzaa
December 26-January 1
This annual celebration was started to honor African heritage in African-American culture.
Kwanzaa has seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
9. Bacon Day
December 30
After a month of all things sweet, you may be ready for something savory and salty!
Go ahead — enjoy a slice or two with every meal! Start your day with bacon and eggs and follow it with a BLT for lunch. For dinner, try our Bacon-Wrapped Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin, or if the weather is nice enough to grill, our Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs are sure to be a hit!
10. New Year's Eve
December 31
Happy New Year!
Have littles who won't be able to stay up until midnight? Celebrate with your own Noon Year's Eve celebration — we've got some fun ideas to celebrate New Year's Eve at home with kids!
