Karen Best Wright, B.S., M.A., Holistic Health & Wellness Coach

December is a month that celebrates multicultural, spiritual celebrations. Christmas is the most common celebration in the United States. However, it is not the only spiritual celebration. December can bring awareness to our multicultural society and focus on personal spiritual and social wellness.

Christmas, a Christian religious holiday, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is on December 25th. Celebrating Christmas includes giving gifts to others and decorating homes with Christmas trees, lights, and other festive decorations.

Hanukkah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime "festival of lights." The nightly lighting of the eight Chanukah candles, the menorah, is part of the celebration. There are special prayers and holiday foods such as latkes and sufganiyot. In 2022, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Sunday, December 18th, and ends at nightfall on Monday, December 26th. Hanukkah celebration dates vary from year to year.

Winter Solstice / Yule is the oldest Winter holiday in existence. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and celebrates the days getting longer, bringing more light to the earth. The festivities traditionally were lighting the Yule log, singing songs, giving gifts, and sharing a special meal with friends and family.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday; that celebrates family, community, and culture. It focuses on seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The Kwanzaa celebration is from December 26th until January 1st. Individuals and families decorate with candles, colorful lights, and African-themed art.

Regardless of the December holiday celebrated, it is a season for giving and sharing with friends and loved ones. It is also a time of reverence for one's spiritual beliefs. It is truly a time to strengthen one's spiritual and social wellness.