December - A Month Of Celebrations
December is indeed a busy month for most folks as they shop, plan, party, and attend religious, social, and cultural events. It begins too soon after Thanksgiving and ends with a bang as it ushers in a new year. It is a season unto itself, one filled with excitement, symbols, customs, reflection, and a general sense of good will. Four major celebrations occur during December, both secular and religious (or a combination of the two) and include the following:
December 8-16. Hanukkah This Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean revolt of the second century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days. The festival is observed by the lighting of the candles on a nine-branched menorah, and it is customary to give children one gift (gelt) each night. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year; in the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to it.
December 25. Christmas Christmas is a Christian holy day which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is typically celebrated on December 25th. In the Bible the opening chapters of the gospels of Luke and John each contains different elements of the Christmas story.
Christmas has also become a very popular social holiday with an emphasis on decorated trees, Santa Claus, exchange of presents, and caroling, Varied Christmas traditions abound throughout the Western world. Click here for a wide range of Christmas customs.
December 26-January 1. Kwanzaa. Neither political nor religious, Kwanzaa was created in the 1960's to foster pride and unity among African-Americans. A week -long celebration honoring universal African-American heritage, family life, and culture, it features candle lighting, feasting, and gift giving. Visit Wikipedia for more information.
December 31. New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve is a social holiday observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies New Year's Eve is often celebrated at festive gatherings generally extends through midnight of January 1st. The dropping of the ball in Times Square and the singing of Auld Lang Syne are symbolic of this holiday in the U.S.
Having lived in the Huntsville AL area for most of his life, Mike Manosky understands exactly what makes this community special. In fact, those who know him well will tell you he carries the same traditional values and focus on the future as Huntsville.
Mike brings with him a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Huntsville AL home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why his clients benefit from his unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future - Mike Manosky will help make the most of your Huntsville AL real estate experience. Give him a call today, 256-508-0211 Direct or 800-803-0053 Toll Free, and discover the difference he can make during your family's move.