Six Alternative Holidays in December to Reclaim the Season

Ah, December—the twinkling lights, the aroma of cookies in the oven, and the consumerist frenzy that sends us spiraling into the new year.

If you’re anything like me, you’re looking for something a little different this season. Something that doesn’t just involve crowded shopping malls or the same old Hallmark movies.

Luckily, humanity’s rich tapestry of beliefs and practices offers a cornucopia of alternative holidays. By recognizing these traditions, we don’t merely tick off a cultural checklist; we connect with the rhythms of nature, which various studies have shown can improve our mental health. So, are you ready to explore six transformative alternatives to the December you know?

1. Yule: Celebrate on December 21 (varies by year)

Origin: Norse paganism
What to do: Light a Yule log, decorate your home with evergreens, and share a feast with your loved ones.

Yule honors the longest night of the year and the rebirth of the sun. Instead of going on a shopping spree, focus on simple, natural elements to mark the holiday. Create a Yule log and set intentions for the coming year as it burns.

2. Saturnalia: Celebrate from December 17 to December 23

Origin: Ancient Rome
What to do: Turn societal norms upside down. Dress in casual attire, enjoy a lavish feast, and, if possible, give your subordinates a day off.

Unlike Yule, which is a reflective and somewhat solemn affair, Saturnalia is about inversion and indulgence. It’s the holiday of role reversals and breaking from your usual routine, which could be a real eye-opener for many.

3. Modranicht: Celebrate on December 24

Origin: Anglo-Saxon paganism
What to do: Reflect on feminine energies, set up an altar to honor the mother goddess, and consider donating to charities that support women.

This is the perfect time to connect with the divine feminine. Whether you’re male, female, or non-binary, embracing this side of yourself can be deeply empowering.

4. Rozhanitsa Feast: Celebrate from December 25 to January 6

Origin: Slavic Paganism
What to do: Prepare a feast with traditional Russian dishes and leave offerings for ancestors and nature spirits.

This holiday encourages us to remember our roots, a practice that numerous studies have shown can benefit our emotional well-being.

5. St. Lucy’s Day: Celebrate on December 13

Origin: Adapted into Christian tradition but has Pagan roots
What to do: Dress in white and red, light candles, and embrace the increasing daylight.

Although integrated into Christian tradition, St. Lucy’s Day originally paid homage to the Norse celebration of light, offering hope in the dark winter months.

6. Giving Tuesday: Celebrate on the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving

Origin: Modern, Philanthropic
What to do: Donate to charities, volunteer, and perform random acts of kindness.

You might wonder why I included Giving Tuesday in a list filled with ancient traditions. Well, in a world driven by consumption, taking time to give back is a rebellious act. Plus, science shows that giving can activate the pleasure centers in the brain, much like receiving a gift can.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, traditions are not set in stone. Your past religious or cultural background doesn’t have to dictate how you celebrate today or in the future. With a myriad of rich traditions available, you can select the ones that resonate most with you. After all, data continually shows that embracing diverse experiences not only enriches our lives but contributes to our happiness.

So, why follow the beaten path when you could embark on a journey of fascinating customs and practices this December? Your holiday season is what you make of it—so make it unforgettable! 🌟