Below you’ll find a small sampling of our December diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.
The end of the year is upon us, and the Winter Solstice is around the corner. This month, take time to learn more about religious celebrations from different faiths. In this monthly sample, we aim to share December awareness days, December diversity days, December heritage months, December high holy days, December religious holidays, and religious festivals.
Here’s a sampling of the many different religious holidays and cultural celebrations on our Diversity Calendar 2023
Monthly Standouts
December 1 – World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1st each year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, honor those who have lost their lives to the disease, and support those living with HIV.
December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Help all your employees feel included, including those with disabilities. On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, host a training session to avoid unconscious bias and help employees understand why having an accessible workplace is essential. By creating an inclusive work culture, your staff can have a better understanding of those they work with, and those with a disability will feel a sense of belonging.
December 16 – Las Posadas
Typically celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries, this time of prayer refers to the Spanish word posada for lodging or home. This comes from the Nativity story where Mary gives birth to Jesus in an inn. For many Catholics and Protestants alike, this is an extremely religious time of reflection approaching Christmas, so refraining from scheduling meetings on this day is advisable.
December 22 – Winter Solstice or Yule
Celebrated in both Pagan and Wiccan faiths, Yule or Yuletide originated as a festival in Germany, which celebrated the newborn solstice sun.
December 25 – Christmas
Observed every December 25, nearly 160 countries globally celebrate this holiday. While a religious holiday for Christians, it’s it is also widely recognized as a cultural holiday in many countries. While the date of celebration may vary among different churches, they all honor it for the same reason, the birth of Jesus who died for their sins. It’s holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics.
Check out our Interfaith Calendar 2023 for more religious holidays.
December 26 – Kwanzaa
Celebrated from December 26 – January 1, this festival of African American culture focuses on each of the seven principles, Nguzo Saba, each day. Nearly six million Americans celebrate this seven-day celebration.
The name Kwanzaa comes from Swahili for first fruits, as some of the first fruit festivals of the season occur in December or January during the southern solstice in Southern African countries.
Don’t Forget To…..
Every year, our DEI calendar offers important information on diversity events and religious celebrations. This valuable information allows companies to plan cultural celebrations or to better understand their staff with an inclusive workplace. Find out about the upcoming year’s events in our Diversity Calendar 2024 and Interfaith Calendar 2024.