December is a month filled with various holidays and celebrations around the world. Here are some of the major holidays celebrated in December:

1. Christmas (December 25): Celebrated by Christians worldwide, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive decorations.
2. Hanukkah (varies, usually in December): Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that typically lasts for eight nights. It commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one day in the ancient Temple.
3. Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1): This is a week-long celebration honoring African heritage and culture, observed by many African Americans. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a different principle, such as unity, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility.
4. New Year’s Eve (December 31): While not exclusive to December, many people around the world celebrate the end of the year on December 31st. Festivities often include parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight.
5. Winter Solstice (around December 21): The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a significant astronomical event and is often celebrated in various cultural and religious traditions.
6. Boxing Day (December 26): Celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and some other Commonwealth countries, Boxing Day traditionally involved giving boxes of food and other goods to those in need. It is also a day for shopping and sports events.
7. Saint Nicholas Day (December 6): Celebrated in various European countries, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, this day honors Saint Nicholas, who is the inspiration for the modern figure of Santa Claus. Children often receive small gifts and treats on this day.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other regional and cultural celebrations that take place in December. The specific holidays observed can vary depending on the country and individual traditions.

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