World AIDS Day

December 1

Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, usually commemorated by wearing a red ribbon. This day reminds us of the ongoing crisis of AIDS: more than 35 million people have died from HIV- or AIDS-related illnesses since the virus was first identified in 1984, and an estimated 38 million people worldwide have the virus today. The day offers an opportunity to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and to support those currently living with HIV, as well as to raise awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3

First recognized by the United Nations in 1992, International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raises awareness about the political, economic, social, and cultural barriers to inclusion faced by those impacted by disability. It is important to remember that not all forms of disability are visible from the outside; some physical, mental, or neurological conditions that can challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities are not obvious to others, which can lead to misperceptions, misunderstandings, and judgements.

UConn has a strong commitment to expanding inclusion for people with disabilities through the Center for Students with Disabilities. UConn also promotes awareness through academic programs like the Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health and the Human Development and Family Sciences concentration in Families and Disabilities, and academic centers like the Center for Excellence in the Study of Developmental Disabilities and the Collaborative on Postsecondary Education and Disability, which offer courses in Disability Studies in Storrs and Waterbury.

Human Rights Day 

December 10

Every year, we honor the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the Declaration establishes equal dignity and worth for every person and proclaims the inalienable rights that every human being is entitled to, regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, national origin, language, political orientation, or any other status. Every December 10, we acknowledge the importance of human rights. 

National Homeless Person’s Remembrance Day 

December 21

National Homeless Person’s Remembrance Day takes place on the North American winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year and the first day of winter. Recognized since 1990, this day raises awareness about the plight suffered by those who are homeless or housing insecure. Housing insecurity is an issue facing college students across the nation, including students at UConn. Students impacted by housing insecurity are especially vulnerable during long breaks, including Winter and Summer, where they might not have access to either housing or to campus dining facilities, which can also increase their food insecurity. The University has a few resources to assist students impacted by housing and food insecurity, including the Dean of Students Office that offers financial resources for students in crisis, and Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services.

Boxing Day

December 26

Boxing Day is held in many countries associated with the British empire, especially in the Caribbean. Though traditions may vary, typical customs include visiting family, friends, and neighbors with gifts, food, and drinks.

Advent 

November 30 – December 24

In Christianity, Advent is a period of preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and preparing for Christ’s second coming. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30. Eastern Churches begin Advent 40 days before Christmas.

Feast of Saint Francis Xavier

December 3

This day marks the feast day of St. Francis Xavier, one of the Jesuits, who is considered by some to be the greatest missionary since the time of the Apostles. It commemorates and honors the commitment and service he showed through his Roman Catholic missionary activity.

Chanukah or Hanukkah 

Sundown December 4 – December 12

Chanukah, which is Hebrew for “Dedication,” is an 8-day Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after Seleucid control. Chanukah is celebrated for 8 days because a single day supply of oil for the Temple menorah miraculously lasted eight full days. Often called the “Festival of Lights,” this holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah – which represents light pushing out darkness – traditional foods, games, and gifts. Please visit the UConn Hillel and Chabad at UConn websites to view upcoming events. 

Saint Nicholas Day

December 6

This day is celebrated by Christians worldwide on the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death. He is known for selling all his possessions and giving his money to the poor, dedicating his life to serving the sick and suffering. Some observe this day by slipping a gift or surprise into someone’s shoes.

Bodhi Day

December 8

Bodhi celebrates the day the historic Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, Sakyamuni Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Often a time for quiet and reflection, celebrations can include time spent studying Dharma (the teachings of Buddha), chanting sutras (threads of religious teaching passed down through generations) or holding service to commemorate Buddha’s achievement of enlightenment.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

December 8

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast celebrating Mary’s conception without sin. The Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception asserts that, “from the first moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of Mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast Day; December 12

Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Roman Catholic religious festival that commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary, who is Mexico’s patron saint, in Mexico City on December 12, 1531. This feast day is a reminder that Jesus and his mother accept all peoples and have a special heart for the poor and oppressed.

Las Posadas

December 16 – 24

A Catholic festival traditionally held in parts of Latin America. Translating to ‘The Inns’ in Spanish, Las Posadas is a celebration over nine nights in which parties are held at different people’s homes. Before each gathering, all guests form a procession to mark Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn on the night of Jesus’s birth. The parties are joyous occasions, including prayers, food, music, and fireworks.

Yule

December 21 – January 1

Yule, also known as the winter solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial event has been celebrated for centuries by various cultures and spiritual traditions. For pagans and Wiccans, Yule holds immense significance as a time of transition, rebirth, and renewal. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, as the sun begins its ascent, gradually growing stronger and promising the return of spring. The main component of any Yule celebration is the lighting of the Yule log. Symbolizing the light and warmth in the midst of winter’s darkness, a large log is traditionally burned in the hearth or bonfire. 

Christmas

December 25

Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus, though it has also become a widespread secular holiday. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, and sharing meals with family and friends. Christmas was in the first group of federal holidays passed by Congress in 1870, along with New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.  Christians in the Orthodox tradition, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, celebrate Christmas on January 7th. 

Saint Stephen’s Day

December 26 in Western Churches; December 27 in Eastern Churches

This Christian feast day commemorates Christianity’s first martyr. It is also an official public holiday in much of Europe and in countries associated with the British Commonwealth. In some countries, it is known as the second day of Christmas.

Kwanzaa

December 26 – January 1

From the Swahili matunda ya kwanza or “first fruits,” Kwanzaa is a seven-day African American cultural festival. Started by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, this festival celebrates family, community, and culture. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa are dedicated to one of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These seven principles are represented by a kinara (candle holder) holding seven candles of red, green, and black, which families light each night before discussing that day’s value. On December 31, families join in karamu, a community feast. Some may wear traditional African clothing during the celebration.