December Holidays

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December holidays are always very special in the United States of America because this country does not have any national holidays. This is the time where the businesses in the United States are closed down and it is the time for the people to rejoice. It is always observed that all the federal holidays are in most of the cases observed ona Monday. This rule is applicable on the holidays of both, North and South America. The days of off will differ for holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year. But if we look at the holidays in December in the United States, they are quite a few: US National Guard day, Pearl Harbor day, Christmas, Wright brothers' day etc. These holidays are celebrated every year in December.

December holidays in detail: -

1. Pearl Harbor day: - This is not a federal holiday. This is a holiday which is observed every year on 7th December after the American Army and Navy base in the Pearl Harbor were attacked. This attack was made by the Japanese navy. This was one of the most destructive events in the history of wars which claimed a lot of American as well as Japanese life. This was the attack which was done by the Japanese to stop the military force of the U.S. and thus it led to the World War II. The attack was very aggressive and thus to pay back to the Japanese the war was broken on them. After this there was no looking back, as the U.S. declared war on Japan so did the Germans declared war on U.S. This was an outburst and gave rise to World War II. This holiday was given to people when the flag of United States was flown in some states after this fight was over. It was also done in the memory of lost lives in this attack. The white house also observed the flag hoisting. Most of the Pearl Harbor December holidays are marked by media documentaries, wreath laying, luncheons, and keynote speeches on the Pearl Harbor attack.

2. Christmas: - This is a federal holiday in the United States. It was declared in the year 1870. This is a day of celebration for Christians in most of the western countries and other different parts of the world. This is a day which is celebrated every year on 25th of December. It is considered as the month when Jesus Christ was born or it is believed that he was born on this date. The Christmas festivities start a few weeks before Christmas and last a few weeks after Christmas as well. The Christian believers light candles and in faith of god and decorate the surroundings they live in. This is the festival where special meals are made and a lot of time is spent with family and friends. Gifts are also exchanged between family and friends during this festival. This is the time when people dress up as Santa Claus for their children and they sing Christmas carols and laugh aloud. Christmas is the time when the state corporations are completely closed, government offices and the state transport also takes a break. Many donations are made of non cash items such as clothes, food, etc for the needy. This is the time when maximum of the income is spent on the family. This is the time when people prefer to stay at home and most of the public life is shut.

3. New Year's Eve: - This again is not a federal holiday but is considered as a December holiday. This Eve is observed yearly on 31st December. This is a holiday which is held in many cities and maximum parts of United States. This is a holiday which has been held yearly since 1907. This holiday is granted because many people like to celebrate and welcome the New Year in a lavish way. Parties are also held at public places and gatherings. A lot of champagne and wine is consumed on this day and is almost considered as a tradition. The most common and classic way of celebrating this day is to drop the crystal ball. This ball is dropped slowly when the countdown begins. The ball drops down at midnight and New Year is welcomed with a lot of fire crackers and decorations falling out of the ball. It is a sight worth watching.

Other December holidays are as follows: -

1. Forefathers Day
2. Kwanzaa
3. Human Rights Day
4. World Aids Day
5. Boxing Day

December holidays are very special and have a lot of importance in the western countries and especially in the United States of America as they do not consider many national holiday. This is the time when people rejoice and have a lot of fun, meet friends and family and get an off from their busy schedule. These holidays are given keeping the pride of the nation in mind and thus it is a mandate for every organization, school, university etc. to grant leaves on these days.