A Few Other Holidays in December

For a few years after I was married, (when my husband’s grandmother was alive), we’d receive a parcel from The Netherlands each year in early December. It was filled with Dutch treats – Stroopwafel, Speculaas in a few different shapes (my favourite), chocolate letters, chocolate sprinkles and Pepernoten cookies. It was a fun tradition to partake in from overseas, that is, the Dutch December 6th holiday of Sinterklaas. Is this a holiday your family or friends celebrate? 

A few days later, on December 13th, many of our European friends, especially those from Sweden and Norway, celebrate St. Lucia’s Day. One often sees girls dressed in white dresses with red sashes and wreaths of (lit!) white candles balanced delicately upon their heads as they sing in procession. While this occurs throughout cities and towns in Europe, the closest place I’ve known this to celebrated here is at the annual Swedish Festival in Toronto, around this time of year.

Soon after these holidays is the official mark of peak winter in terms of daylight and darkness, the Winter Solstice on December 21st. Many of the other holidays in December have links to this day, which has ancient roots linked with nature. It is still celebrated in many areas with bonfires and special meals. 

Do you celebrate any other holidays in December? Is there one you’ve wanted to celebrate or learn more about? It can be a great time to learn about other cultures and beliefs and share in each others’ customs.

We wish you much fun and merriment this month as you celebrate whatever traditions you have, and perhaps even join in others’ customs. It’s a wonderful way to bring light and levity to this time of year!