Within the first few seconds of December, holiday cheer is in full swing. As the temperature drops even further, people get swept up in holiday music, food, and family tradition, but are blind to the many other holidays December has to offer. During this time, it’s important to recognize and celebrate other, often overlooked, cultural traditions. Let’s learn about all the holidays that this season brings. 

1. Bohdi Day: Celebrated by Buddhists, Bohdi Day celebrates the moment “Historic Buddha” (aka Siddharta Guatama) achieved enlightenment. As legend has it, the Historic Buddha was a privileged prince who was sheltered from the injustices of the world until he ventured out into his kingdom. Much to his shock, Buddha encountered the sufferings of his people and realized something had to be done. To find an answer, Buddha meditated for weeks and, when he awoke, he was enlightened to the root of human suffering. This momentous occasion is celebrated through prayer, meditation, and decorations of colorful lights and beads. 
2. Yule: As one of the oldest winter solstice festivals, Yule has been celebrated long before Germans practiced Christianity. The festival uses light, fire, and feasting to celebrate the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year. Traditionally, the holiday was marked by a large log that burned throughout the multi-day festival, and this tradition is still seen today through many families’ tradition of serving a wood shaped cake on Christmas. 
3. Saturnalia: One of the most popular Roman festivals, Saturnalia celebrates the Roman god of farming and harvest, Saturn. The god is honored by the suspension of work and the making of wax candles, fruit, and statues. The week-long festival originally began on December 17 and directly contributed to the creation of two distinct holidays: Christmas and New Years. Additionally, the custom of hanging Christmas wreaths began from the Saturnalia tradition of decorating one’s house with nature and greenery. 
4. Las Posadas: Observed throughout Mexico and Guatemala, Las Posadas is a Christmas celebration deeply rooted in Latin culture. The festivities span nine days, where groups of people go door to door, singing songs and asking for lodging that is refused each night. Then, on Christmas Eve (the last night of the festival), the group reaches the designated house. There, the travelers finally enter to an evening of prayer and song that ends with a star-shaped pinata. 

The winter months bring more Christmas trees and Chanukah candles. Holidays and festivities are celebrated across the globe that you may not be familiar with. So this holiday season, take time to acknowledge different cultures while keeping true to your own winter traditions.