December is one of the most festive months in which to celebrate holidays. Religions and cultures around the world observe festivals, feast days, and special observances during this month.
What better way to celebrate than with a global holiday? December 25th may be celebrated as Christmas, but we think it should instead be an occasion for everyone to come together and enjoy the holidays in peace and harmony worldwide. We don’t care what you do to celebrate- all we ask is that you say “Merry Christmas” to your opponents when you’re the last person left alive. If this sounds like a good idea, then go ahead and write about what it’s like in our new holiday game mode (coming soon).
And don’t forget to be nice!
That’s right!
Nothing spreads cheer like a good old-fashioned snowball fight. If you’re feeling extra festive this December, why not play the winter games and play a match of Snow Fort?
>in loose order by geography>
The West Indies – The islands of Trinidad and Tobago host early December celebrations known as “Phagwah”. The Hindu holiday is celebrated by the majority Indo-Caribbean population, and incorporates elements of Indian culture such as dance.
Germany – Berlin hosts an exciting annual Christmas market in front of the Brandenburg Gate, where vendors sell arts, crafts, food specialties to bustling crowds.
Sweden – “Julotta” is the annual Christmas Day service, held on December 25th. The celebration is Christian and traditional, and includes a hymnal procession, followed by special Christmas foods and festivities.
Israel – Celebrations of “Hanukkah” include lighting candles over eight days to commemorate the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after Antiochus IV conquered Israel in the 2nd century B.C.E.
Mexico – The holiday “Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe” commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, a peasant who lived in what is now Mexico City. Held on December 12, the celebrations include exhibitions and live music events.
Japan – “Dōka seisai”, the Festival of the Six Gosindas, takes place on December 15 and is a Buddhist celebration involving food offerings and ritual prayer.
Spain – The annual Feast of the Immaculate Conception is also held on December 15, and commemorates the belief that Mary was conceived free from sin. Traditional Spanish foods such as turrón and roscón de reyes are enjoyed.
The Philippines – As early as the 17th century, Filipino Catholics have celebrated the Feast of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus) on December 27 to mark the appearance of statues of baby Jesus to three peasant children in 1607.
Venezuela – On December 8, Venezuelans commemorate the Maragüita. The festivities are historically based on local communities coming together to build small hills in which to place religious figures.
Chile – A religious holiday with pagan roots, Navidad marks Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on December 24th and 25th respectively. Families gather for a traditional meal of turkey, followed by Christmas desserts.
Brazil – Parades, and dance highlight the Brazilian holiday Festa Junina on June 24th, which is also called “Midsummer’s Night” in certain parts of the country. The festival commemorates a victory of Afro-Brazilians over Portuguese forces in 1790.
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