(12/19/22) Updated 11/27/23
Winter Holiday Guide
Holiday Considerations
The holidays are a special time of the year. Family and friends gathered together in celebration, making the winter season a joyous one for many. But did you know that many popular holidays are not universally celebrated, and each individual may have their own way to celebrate or not celebrate at all? When talking to others about your holiday traditions, try not to automatically make assumptions about their plans. If you’re able, consider checking on those around you who may not have family or friends they are connected to. This may be a very lonely time of year for them.
December Holidays
Many different holidays are celebrated each December! Do you celebrate any of these holidays? Are there some we missed that you celebrate? Let us know!
Christmas: Monday, December 25, 2023
A Christian and cultural holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Hanukkah: Thursday, December 7th (evening)- Friday, December 15, 2023
A Jewish holiday in which one candle is lit each night for 8 nights based on the story of the menorah in the Second Temple of Jerusalem that burned for 8 days (even though there was only 1 day of oil).
Kwanzaa: Tuesday, December 26, 2023- Monday, January 1, 2024
A holiday that honors African American culture over 7 nights. Each night, a candle is lit representing unity, self-determination, collective work/responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Las Posadas: Saturday, December 16-Sunday, December 24, 2023
Each night for 9 days, a procession, often led by children and followed by the adults, will stop at houses to ask for lodging, recreating the Christian story of Mary and Joseph traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
Soyal: Thursday, December 21, 2023
The Zuni and Hopi tribes’ tradition of luring back the sun god on the shortest day of the year. This tradition sometimes includes 16 days of prayer, storytelling, and a feast leading up to the final celebration.
Winter Solstice: Thursday, December 21, 2023
A celebration on the darkest day of the year to welcome the return of the sun. This day is celebrated in many communities around the world.
Gift Giving?
Some holiday celebrations include gift giving as part of the festivities. Check out the lists below to discover local Black, LGBTQ+, Women+, and Latino owned businesses. (Inclusion of these lists does not indicate endorsement from CBHC staff)
Visit Baltimore- Shop Baltimore's Black-Owned Businesses
Anne Arundel County- Directory of Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses
Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Member Directory
Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce Member Directory
Staff Picks:
Aya Shuman: KSM Candle Co., Baltimore, Black and Woman owned
Alexa Milanytch: Chase Street Acessories & Engraving, Baltimore, Woman and Veteran owned
Jamie Merida's Bountiful Decor, Eastern Shore, LGBTQ+
Julia Cosentino-Tich: Cake by Jason Hisley, Timonium, LGBTQ+
We urge you to be compassionate and kind to yourself and others this season and wish you all the best in the coming weeks!
Learn more about the Institute for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion here.
