myMA
As the year quickly comes to a close, the month of December provides us with many opportunities to reflect, celebrate, observe, remember, and continue the important work of inclusivity and belonging.
December 1 - World AIDS Day: This year’s theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV”. Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to unite to help end HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses.
December 3 - International Day for People with Disabilities: This day is observed
to highlight issues that affect people with disabilities and to champion their well-being, their dignity and fundamental rights.
December 5 - International Volunteer Day: This day recognizes the efforts of volunteers in transforming societies, economies, and their environments. This day is intended to focus on issues of concern in communities. The intention is to not only to volunteer for one day but to change people’s mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors so they become agents of change and work as partners to build a better world.
December 10 - International Human Rights Day: In 1948, the General Assembly of
the UN adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the most translated document around the world and is available in over 500 languages. The document proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.This year’s theme is dignity, freedom, and justice for all.
December 18 - December 26 - Hanukkah: Hanukkah, which is also referred to as the festival of lights, begins at sundown on December 18th. It is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Selucids in 164 B.C.E. It is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts.
December 21 - Yule Winter Solstice: Yule falls on December 21, on the winter solstice. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year, as the sun gets its lowest elevation in the sky.
December 25 - Christmas: Christmas is celebrated by Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Many people who celebrate Christmas create their own customs and traditions for this holiday.
December 26-January 1 - Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is an African American seven-day cultural holiday that celebrates family and community. During the holiday, families celebrate with feasts, music, and dance, and end the holiday with a day dedicated to reflection and recommitment to the seven principles.
