December 2023 monthly DEI Blog

 

December is a month that is often dominated by the Christian Christmas holiday.  To create an inclusive workplace, it is important to recognize other days of unique cultural, religious and social significance.

Monthly Recognitions

  • HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
  • Universal Human Rights Month

 

Recognition Days

 

December 1 – World AIDS Day: commemorates those who have died of AIDS and acknowledges the need for continued commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care.

December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: This United Nations holiday raises awareness for the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals with disabilities

December 8:  Bodhi Day:  Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama experienced enlightenment and became Buddha

December 10 – International Humans Rights Day: 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of  Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  This landmark document was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 and set out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

December 16 to December 24 – Las Posadas: A religious festival celebrated in Mexico and parts of the U.S. commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus Christ.

December 7 to December 15 – Hanukkah: A Jewish holiday that is observed for eight days and eight nights, celebrating the victory of the Maccabees, or Israelites, over the Greek-Syrian rulert.  The holiday begins and ends at sunset.

December 21 – Yule Winter Solstice: A holiday celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans. The first day of winter (and the shortest day of the year) represents a celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings as the sun makes its way back to the Earth.

December 25 – Christmas: A Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christian savior and messiah.

December 26:  Boxing Day: A secular holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Africa.

December 26 to January 1 – Kwanzaa: A 7-day holiday often celebrated by Black Americans that was inspired by African harvest celebrations.

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