Several faiths have significant holidays in December. Christmas falls on Dec. 25, which is a Sunday this year. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people exchange presents at Christmas time, too.
Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration that lasts eight days. Some Hanukkah customs include eating potato pancakes, or latkes, and playing with a dreidel, a spinning top with Hebrew letters on it. Many people also give gifts at Hanukkah. Kwanzaa is a celebration that honors African-American culture and heritage. It lasts from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Kwanzaa focuses on seven principles, they are: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
The United Nations has declared Dec. 3 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The purpose of this day
is to raise awareness of the rights of people who live with disabilities. Prior to having a day of recognition, the U.N. had a Decade of Disabled Persons. It was from 1983 to 1992. During this time, governments and organizations around the world implemented measures to help improve life for disabled citizens. When the Decade of Disabled Persons ended, the U.N. chose to set aside a day every year to raise awareness.
