By
Teresa Mersereau

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As the last month of the year, as well as home to so many holidays, December can often feel like a big rush. Taking time for social justice awareness can sometimes fall by the wayside. Fortunately, there are many different month-long and day-long events during December that can help us to take some time to be mindful of important causes in the world today. So, we had to ask: What are all the important awareness events that happen in December 2025?

December 2025 has 52 important awareness events. Important monthly awareness events include National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and Universal Human Rights Month; and important awareness days include World AIDS Day, Rosa Parks Day, and International Animal Rights Day.

In this article, we share the most important awareness events that happen in December with you—categorized into month-long, day-long, and week-long events. For each event, we provide you with a short description, as well as a link to the main event page for further information.

Here Are All the Important Awareness Events for December 2024

You can find an overview of all the most important awareness days happening in December in the table below (you can also click on their link to directly jump to their respective section).

	Awareness Events in December
Month-Long Events	🚨 National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 🌎 Universal Human Rights Month 👄 Learn a Foreign Language Month ☁️ Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month 🚗 National Car Donation Month 🩹 International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month ♊ World Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month 🪀 Safe Toys and Gifts Month 🧔 Decembeard
Day-Long Events	🎀 World AIDS Day ✊🏿 Rosa Parks Day 🔑 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 🦻 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 🤗 Let’s Hug Day 🎁 Giving Tuesday 🐼 World Wildlife Conservation Day 🪙 International Day of Banks 💪🏽 International Volunteer Day 🌱 World Soil Day ✈️ International Civil Aviation Day 🏳️‍🌈 Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day 🏛️ International Anti-Corruption Day ☮️ International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime  📣 Human Rights Day 🐷 International Animal Rights Day 🎖️ Nobel Prize Day ⛰️ International Mountain Day 🏥 International Universal Health Coverage Day 🏳️ International Day of Neutrality 👷 National Workplace Day of Remembrance 🩺 International Universal Health Coverage Day 🌿 National Wreaths Across America Day ⚖️ Bill of Rights Day 🫖 Boston Tea Party 🟰 International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers ✈️ International Migrants Day ☪️ Arabic Language Day 🌐 International Human Solidarity Day 🧘🏼 World Meditation Day ❄️ Winter Solstice 🎄 Christmas Eve 🎄 Christmas Day 💉 International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 🎉 New Year’s Eve
Week-Long Events	👭 16 Days of Awareness Against Domestic Violence 🩺 Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week 🤲 National Handwashing Awareness Week 🖤 National Grief Awareness Week 💉 National Influenza Vaccination Week 🪐 Saturnalia 🕎 Hanukkah (Chanukah) ❤️🖤💚 Kwanzaa

Trivia: December is named for the Latin word for 10, since it used to be the 10^th month of the year before July and August were added to the calendar!

9 Important Month-Long Awareness Events in December 2025

Month-long awareness events serve as platforms to focus attention on important causes, fostering widespread understanding, engagement, and action:

These extended campaigns allow organizations, communities, and you and other individuals to delve deep into complex issues, raise public awareness, and ignite conversations.

With their extended duration, month-long awareness events provide ample time for educational initiatives, community involvement, and sustained advocacy efforts.

By dedicating an entire month to a specific cause, these awareness events aim to generate lasting impact, empower you and other individuals, and foster positive change within society.

🚨 National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month aims to educate people on drunk driving and help work toward a safer future. With over 13,000 people dying in 2021 from drunk-driving-related incidents, it’s imperative that more people are aware of this pressing issue.

🌎 Universal Human Rights Month:

• Universal Human Rights Month encourages us to remember and celebrate past human rights champions while innovating ways to continue the fight for equality today. 
• It is a time to reflect on how we treat our fellow human beings and empower each of us to stand up for our own rights and the rights of others. It reminds us of enlightening human ideals and the freedoms we want to protect as responsible global citizens. 

👄 Learn a Foreign Language Month: Learn a Foreign Language Month encourages people to take on the challenge of learning a foreign language. Learning another language can help you better understand others around the world and become a more globalized citizen. 

☁️ Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month was established to coincide with the start of winter, typically observed in December depending on where you live.
• This timing helps to bring attention to the onset of symptoms that many individuals begin to experience as daylight hours decrease.

🚗 National Car Donation Month:

• National Car Donation Month serves as a reminder that we can give in many ways to causes we care about and that product donations – in this case, vehicles – can sometimes be more precious to nonprofits and people in need than financial help.
• This event encourages people to give their unused cars to the less fortunate and raises awareness of the struggles people encounter when lacking a personal car.
• It also stimulates car reuse instead of buying new and harming the environment.

🩹 International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month:

• Every December, International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of following safety protocols where needles and other medical sharp implements are concerned, such as syringes, scalpel blades, and lancets. 

♊ World Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month:

• Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month was established in 2000 by the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation. 
• The foundation was created to support families affected by TTTS and to promote research and education about this condition. 
• Today, the event is used to shine a light on twin to twin transfusion syndrome, as well as highlight and treat the risks involved. 

🪀 Safe Toys and Gifts Month:

• Safe Toys and Gifts Month serves as a reminder to consider safety first when buying toys and gifts, especially during the holiday season. 
• The goal is to reduce the number of toy-related injuries by encouraging the selection of age-appropriate, non-toxic, and well-constructed toys that adhere to safety standards. 
• This month is also a time to raise awareness about potential hazards such as small parts, sharp edges, and toxic materials.

🧔 Decembeard:

• To raise awareness for bowel cancer, many people will grow beards during the month of December.
• Bowel cancer is a very serious issue and so raising money and awareness is incredibly important to finding a cure.

35 Important Day-Long Awareness Events in December 2025

Day-long awareness events offer concentrated and focused efforts to draw attention to specific causes or commemorate important occasions:

These events serve as catalysts for raising awareness, promoting education, and sparking meaningful conversations within a condensed time frame.

With a concentrated burst of activities, day-long awareness events aim to engage you and other individuals, communities, and organizations, encouraging them to take immediate action, show support, or honor significant milestones.

By dedicating a single day to a particular cause, these awareness events create opportunities for concentrated impact, reflection, and collective mobilization toward positive change.

🎀 December 1, World AIDS Day:

• World AIDS Day raises awareness about the ongoing global impact of HIV/AIDS, supporting those living with the virus and remembering those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. 
• This day serves as a call to action for individuals, communities, and governments to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to ensure access to quality care, treatment, and support for all.

✊🏿 December 1, Rosa Parks Day:

• Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, an African American woman, is considered to be an American civil rights hero after she refused to give up her seat for a white passenger while riding a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus on December 1, 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. 
• Today, Rosa Parks Day is a time to commemorate Rosa and the part she played in improving racial equality across the nation. 

🔑 December 2, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we raise awareness for enslaved people around the world and support those trying to end modern slavery for good. Many people aren’t aware of modern slavery and so this day is integral to bringing their stories to light. 

🎁 December 2 (varies), Giving Tuesday:

• Giving Tuesday is a day of global participation, dedicated to unleashing the power of generosity and encouraging people to support their favorite causes and charities. 
• Following the consumer-focused Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday promotes a transition from shopping to philanthropy during the holiday season.

🤗 December 3, Let’s Hug Day:

• Let’s Hug Day is dedicated to celebrating the simple yet profound act of hugging, which fosters emotional connections and enhances well-being.
• Moreover, it highlights the importance of physical affection in our lives and encourages people to express love and support through hugs.

🦻 December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the importance of inclusion, accessibility, and equal rights for persons with disabilities. 
• It highlights the need for society to remove barriers, whether physical, social, or attitudinal, that hinder the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. 
• Moreover, it serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and to advocate for the policies and actions necessary to ensure their rights are respected and fulfilled.

🐼 December 4, World Wildlife Conservation Day:

• World Wildlife Conservation Day raises awareness of the vital importance of wildlife for humans and the planet, advocating for increased funds and attention for conservation efforts worldwide.
• The event also reminds us of the main causes of biodiversity loss – from habitat destruction and wildlife crime to pollution and climate change – and urges us to do our part in conserving wildlife through lifestyle changes and public advocacy. 

🪙 December 4, International Day of Banks: This day celebrates banks as an important potential driving force in sustainable development. It is very important for acknowledging the good that banks and financial institutions can do to world economies. 

💪🏽 December 5, International Volunteer Day:

• International Volunteer Day is a day to celebrate the contributions of volunteers worldwide, raise awareness of the value of volunteerism, and encourage more people to get involved in community service. 
• The day also highlights the selfless acts of volunteers who dedicate their time, skills, and energy to help others and improve their communities.

🌱 December 5, World Soil Day: On World Soil Day, we recognize the importance of soil to a healthy ecosystem. The health of all aspects of the ecosystem are incredibly important to the planet and humans’ place on it. 

✈️ December 7, International Civil Aviation Day: On December 7, the UN recognizes the importance of innovation within the aviation sector as a force for driving humanity forward. This day is integral especially for sustainable development within the aviation space. 

🏳️‍🌈 December 8, Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day: Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day spreads awareness about pansexuality and pan romanticism and brings together those who identify as pansexual. Pansexual and panromantic people receive less attention in the media and so raising awareness about their identity is very important. 

🏛️ December 9, International Anti-Corruption Day: On International Anti-Corruption Day, we raise awareness about different corrupting forces around the world and those affected by them. Corruption is closely linked with instability and social inequality and so preventing corruption is essential for an ethical world. 

☮️ December 9, International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime: This day commemorates the 1948 Genocide Convention, which defined genocide and adopted a ‘never again’ policy. This day was very important to human rights going forward. 

📣 December 10, Human Rights Day:

• Human Rights Day is a global celebration in honor of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the past human rights guardians who innovated ways to fight for equality. 
• The event is marked by high-level political conferences, as well as cultural events, activities, and exhibitions dealing with human rights issues. In addition, many organizations active in the human rights field have special events to commemorate the day. 
• And, Human Rights Day catalyzes protests and demonstrations in support of human rights, especially in countries that have experienced rights violations.

🐷 December 10, International Animal Rights Day:

• International Animal Rights Day is a time to call on everyone to be compassionate toward animals. And to treat animals as the sentinel beings they are, knowing that they can also experience pain (and joy). 
• Animal rights activism generally focuses on stopping or lessening animal exploitation, especially in the food system or for research purposes. 
• On this day, we also celebrate the animal sentience laws, which lay the framework for humane policies and encourage a societal shift towards ethical treatment.

🎖️ December 10, Nobel Prize Day: Coinciding with the awarding of the Nobel Prize, Nobel Prize day celebrates the values of the organization. Many important people in science, literature, and human rights have been honored by this prestigious prize. 

⛰️ December 11, International Mountain Day: This day celebrates mountains and mountain communities, helping to promote sustainable economic growth and environmental responsibility. This day is very important for highlighting the importance of mountains to cultures and ecosystems. 

🏥 December 12, International Universal Health Coverage Day:

• International Universal Health Coverage Day is a global observance that aims to ensure everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to essential health services without financial hardship. 
• This day focuses on the importance of strong and resilient health systems that are inclusive, equitable, and capable of responding to the health needs of all individuals.

🏳️ December 12, International Day of Neutrality: The International Day of Neutrality aims to raise awareness for one of the UN’s core values: preventive diplomacy through neutrality. This value helps to maintain world peace and diplomatic international relations.

👷 December 12, National Workplace Day of Remembrance: On the National Workplace Day of Remembrance, we commemorate those who have lost their lives or sustained injuries on the job, marked with a minute of silence at noon. This day helps us to understand the hazards at play in certain jobs and appreciate those who do dangerous work. 

🩺 December 12, International Universal Health Coverage Day: This day promotes access to healthcare for everybody and encourages governments to invest in healthcare. This is very important considering many countries still don’t have access to universal healthcare. 

🌿 December 13 (varies), National Wreaths Across America Day: As a day for honoring veterans, National Wreaths Across America day is celebrated by sponsoring veterans’ wreaths in local cemeteries. It is incredibly important to pay respects to those who made heavy sacrifices. 

⚖️ December 15, Bill of Rights Day: On December 15, 1791, the first 10 amendments to the constitution were put in place, and called the Bill of Rights. These rights helped define the basic rights of Americans and lead the way for more amendments to the constitution. 

🫖 December 15, Boston Tea Party: 

• The Boston Tea Party was a direct response to the Tea Act of 1773, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies while maintaining an unpopular tax. 
• In protest, members of the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships and destroyed an entire shipment of tea, sending a powerful message of resistance to British authorities. 
• Today, the historic event is marked with special exhibits and reenactments.

🟰 December 17, International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers: The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers aims to prevent hate crimes made against sex workers around the world. As a group that faces extreme marginalization, sex workers are in need of protection and an end to stigma. 

✈️ December 18, International Migrants Day:

• International Migrants Day is a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of millions of migrants worldwide. 
• Migrants, with their diverse cultures and experiences, can be powerful drivers for development in both their home and their host countries as they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skill to a new country while often maintaining strong connections with their birthplace. 
• This day also promotes the protection of migrants’ rights, especially regarding those who are forced to leave their homes due to political unrest or ecological disaster.

December 18, Arabic Language Day: December 18th celebrates the Arabic language, which is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world today. This day is very important to Arabic speakers, as well as to celebrating linguistic diversity around the world. 

🌐 December 20, International Human Solidarity Day: The UN celebrates International Human Solidarity Day every year in honor of their values of unity in diversity and for governments to respect international agreements. In light of many governments failing to comply with the Paris Agreement and many other agreements of the like, this day is very important.

❄️ December 21 (varies), Winter Solstice:

• The Winter Solstice, also called the hibernal solstice or midwinter, occurs when one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum distance away from the Sun. 
• This makes it the shortest day and longest night of the year. This happens twice every year, once in each hemisphere: Northern and Southern. 
• Since prehistory, cultures around the world have celebrated this astrological moment with feasts and holidays. Fire and lightning are traditional symbols of this observance, and many people see this moment as a time of revival and reverence.

❄️ December 21 (varies), Winter Solstice:

• The Winter Solstice, also called the hibernal solstice or midwinter, occurs when one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum distance away from the Sun. 
• This makes it the shortest day and longest night of the year. This happens twice every year, once in each hemisphere: Northern and Southern. 
• Since prehistory, cultures around the world have celebrated this astrological moment with feasts and holidays. Fire and lightning are traditional symbols of this observance, and many peoples see this moment as a time of revival and reverence.

🎄 December 24, Christmas Eve:

• Christmas Eve is a global Christian celebration signifying the day before Jesus Christ is said to have been born in Bethlehem, on December 25. –
• Most Christian churches ring their bells and hold special religious gatherings such as the Midnight Mass. 
• Other cultural traditions associated with Christmas Eve are the gathering of family and friends for a traditional dinner and other preparations for Christmas Day. Families also illuminate Christmas lights, decorate the Christmas tree, and exchange Christmas gifts.

🎄 December 25, Christmas Day: 

• Christmas Day honors the birth of Jesus and is a worldwide celebration that incorporates many pre-Christian and pagan customs into the festivities. 
• Traditions for many nations include caroling, gift-giving, decorating with Christmas lights, and installing the Christmas tree. Additionally, figures such as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, and Saint Nicholas are associated with bringing gifts to children on this day.
• Above all, this is a time that encourages social unity and enjoyment of loved ones, reuniting friends and family in many community events. 

💉 December 27, International Day of Epidemic Preparedness: This day promotes investment in health infrastructure and emergency planning for epidemics. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for all governments and people to have epidemic plans. 

🎉 December 31, New Year’s Eve: 

• New Year’s Eve is the last day of the year, December 31, also known as Old Year’s Day. Celebrations for the upcoming year begin in the evening of this day and continue into the early hours of January 1. 
• Festivities celebrating the new year are among the most universally observed around the globe. Revelers usually enjoy meals and snacks meant to bestow good luck for the coming year, watch fireworks spectacles, and indulge in drinking, dancing, and partying until the wee hours of the morning. 
• In addition, many Christian congregations have Watch Night services on New Year’s Eve, which is the seventh day of the Christmas Season.

8 Important Week-Long Awareness Events in December 2025

Week-long awareness events provide a balanced and dynamic approach to spotlighting important causes and promoting widespread engagement:

These events span an entire week, allowing for sustained focus, activities, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action.

With their intermediate duration, week-long awareness events offer a comprehensive platform to educate, advocate, and mobilize communities. They provide opportunities for impactful campaigns, interactive events, and collaborative efforts to address complex issues and drive positive change.

By dedicating an entire week to a specific cause, these awareness events foster a sense of momentum, unity, and lasting impact, empowering you and other individuals and organizations to actively contribute to the cause.

👭 November 25-December 10, 16 Days of Awareness Against Domestic Violence: The 16 Days of Awareness Against Domestic Violence bridge the gap between United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to Human Rights Day, encouraging people to reflect and act on the ongoing issue of domestic violence. With domestic violence as an extremely important, but often not talked about condition, this is an extremely impactful 16 days of awareness.

🩺 December 1-7, Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week: In the first week of December, people living with Crohn’s Disease and Colitis share their stories. Many people live with undiagnosed Crohn’s and Colitis and so raising awareness is crucial for making sure people get the treatment they need.

🤲 December 1-7 (varies): National Handwashing Awareness Week:

•  National Handwashing Awareness Week highlights the role of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, including the flu, common cold, and foodborne illnesses. 
• This awareness week is especially important in settings like schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities, where germs spread quickly due to frequent contact with shared surfaces and people. 
• Promoting regular and proper handwashing practices can drastically lower infection rates and improve overall public health.

🖤 December 2-8, National Grief Awareness Week: During National Grief Awareness Week, we look to support those going through grief and raise awareness about the experience of grief. As a near-universal experience, being more aware of the effects of grief can benefit everyone. 

💉 December 4-8 (varies): National Influenza Vaccination Week: As the flu season begins to spike in December, everyone over the age of 6 months is advised to get a flu vaccine. With respiratory illnesses on the rise, it’s more important than ever to spread awareness about the importance of life-saving vaccines. 

🕎 December 14-22 (varies): Hanukkah (Chanukah):

• Hanukkah (Chanukah) is a Jewish festival and one of the most popular Jewish religious observances worldwide. This holiday celebrates a Jewish military victory and lasts for eight nights, to commemorate how long the holy light burned after this victory. 
• In addition, Hanukkah is observed through many family-based and communal rituals that are performed every day; lighting the candles of the Hanukkiah, blessing after meals, and daily prayer services.
• Observers also consume oil-fried or oily foods, offer gifts, and spin dreidels.

🪐 December 17-23: Saturnalia

• Saturnalia was an ancient Roman holiday that honors Saturn, the Roman god of see-sawing and agriculture, and celebrates the promise of a spring harvest. 
• The festival began with a religious ceremony in the Temple of Saturn where there was usually an animal sacrifice for the god. 
• Then, there was a public banquet and a continual partying and carnival atmosphere where usual social patterns were suspended: gambling was permitted and masters sat at the table with their slaves, drinking was allowed in larger quantities, and people wore colorful dinner dresses. 

❤️🖤💚 December 26-January 1, Kwanzaa: Founded in 1966, Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrating African American culture, observed over seven days to represent the seven principles. Kwanzaa’s foundation was an important moment during the civil rights movement, representing the unity of African American people.

December in History: The Most Important and Impactful Events of the Past

✊🏾 December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks—a member of the NAACP since 1943—was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. She subsequently challenged her arrest and, along with Martin Luther King Jr, organized mass boycotts of the bus company and protests for an end to segregation. 

⚖️ December 2, 1956: Senator Joseph McCarthy was officially condemned by the US Senate for misconduct during his communism investigations. This date is considered the end of the “McCarthy” era of anti-communist panic. 

👩🏾‍⚖️ December 3, 1962: Edith Sampson became the first African American female judge. She was also a lawyer, UN ambassador, and member of the NAACP, paving the way for many people after her. 

🇹🇷 December 4, 1943: Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Turkish President Inonu met for the second Cairo conference. The goal of the conference was to persuade Turkey to side with the Allied forces, which was unsuccessful in the grand scheme of the war. 

🚌 December 5, 1955: The Montgomery bus boycotts officially began in response to Rosa Parks’ action. This was one of the early foundational events in the civil rights movement and set a precedent that boycotts and protests could get real results. 

💪🏽 December 5, 1955: The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations joined forces to form the largest trade union advocate organization in the US. This event raised the profile of workers across the country.

📜 December 6, 1865: The 13th amendment to the US was passed, officially abolishing slavery for those not convicted of a crime. This freed millions of enslaved people across the country and is considered to be the official end of the slavery era. 

🇮🇪 December 6, 1921: Ireland took its first steps towards independence by becoming the Irish Free State, following the Irish War of Independence. They continued to fight for further independence, and in 1937, Ireland officially became a republic. 

🛟 December 7, 1941: Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese army, inciting the US to join the Allied forces during World War II. This significantly strengthened the Allied forces’ army and eventually led to the defeat of the Axis powers. 

🇷🇺 December 8, 1991: The official dissolution of the USSR created a Commonwealth of independent states, including Ukraine, Armenia, and Belarus. This was considered to be the end of the cold war, along with the fall of the Berlin Wall two years previously. 

🇮🇪 December 9, 1994: The Irish Republican Army (IRA) held its first formal peace talks with the British government following a 3-month ceasefire in Northern Ireland. These talks were considered a major turning point in the Northern Irish Troubles, which lasted from the 1960s to 1998. 

✊ December 10, 1948: The United Nations passed their official Universal Declaration of Human Rights, laying out the criteria for human rights around the world. It was created in response to atrocities committed during World War II in the hopes they will never happen again. 

🇵🇸 December 10, 1950: Dr. Ralph Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation talks between Israel and Palestine, becoming the first African American man to win the prize. This was a major trailblazing moment, as well as a landmark in diplomacy. 

🛩️ December 11, 1941: Following the Pearl Harbor attacks, the US officially joined World War II as Germany and Italy declared war on them. The US’s involvement in World War II is often seen as a major contributing factor to the Allied forces’ victory. 

🧒 December 11, 1946: This day marks the founding of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The organization has gone on to do amazing humanitarian work, providing children around the world with essential things like clean water, medicine, and education. 

🌎 December 11, 1997: The Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the 1997 UN Climate Change Conference (COP3) in Kyoto, Japan. This marks the first international treaty to establish legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

🇺🇲 December 12, 1870: Joseph Hayne Rainey filled a seat in the House of Representatives, becoming the first African American to do so. This was a major trailblazing moment for African Americans, especially as it was only five years after abolition. 

💫 December 13, 1934: Nova Herculis was discovered by an amateur British astronomer named J.P.M. Prentice. It was found to be one of the brightest novas of the twentieth century. 

👭 December 14, 1918: Women in Britain were officially granted the right to vote and serve in public office. This happened because of the work of the suffragists who had been protesting for the right to vote for decades, and began a cascade that saw women gaining the right to vote all over the world. 

🔭 December 14, 1962: NASA’s Mariner II probe sent the first images of Venus back to Earth. These were the first images of another planet ever captured, revolutionizing humanity’s knowledge of other planets. 

🕊️ December 14, 1995: The Dayton Peace Agreement was signed, ending the Bosnian war, the most significant European land conflict since World War II. By ending the war, the region which had been rife with conflict for years, became peaceful again. 

📜 December 15, 1791: The US officially passes the Bill of Rights, or the first 10 constitutional amendments. The Bill of Rights was a turning point in rights for Americans and paved the way for more amendments in years to come. 

🫖 December 16, 1773: The Boston Tea Party took place, wherein American revolutionaries protested the British tax on tea. This was considered a seminal event in the Revolutionary War, eventually leading to the US gaining independence from the British Empire. 

✈️ December 17, 1903: The Wright Brothers successfully conducted their first flight. This event was seminal in paving the way for the air travel revolution. 

🏛️ December 18, 2019: US President Donald Trump was officially impeached over charges of unlawfully investigating his 2020 political opponent Joe Biden. Though he wasn’t removed from office, it did set an important precedent for conduct in the White House.

🇻🇳 December 19, 1946: The First Indochina war broke out in Vietnam, when the French tried to re-colonize Vietnam over a year after they had gained independence. The war would go on for another 8 years, with Vietnam retaining its independence in the end. 

⚖️ December 20, 1956: The Montgomery bus boycott officially ended when the system officially became integrated, over a year after Rosa Parks’ stand. This victory set an impactful precedent for the civil rights movement to come. 

🇩🇪 December 21, 1972: The German Basic Treaty was signed by both East and West Germany, marking the first peaceful relations between them since the beginning of the Cold War. This was a major step working toward the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. 

🏳️‍🌈 December 22, 2011: Barack Obama officially signs the bill to repeal the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in the US military. This was a groundbreaking moment for queer people in the military. 

📻 December 23, 1922: The BBC radio begins making broadcasts every day. After that, the radio would be a major cultural force in Britain and around the world. 

🇨🇦 December 24, 1814: The war of 1812 between Canada and America officially ends with the Treaty of Ghent, though much of the conflict would continue into 1815. Canada’s victory allowed it to maintain its relationship with the British Empire. 

👑 December 25, 1066: William the Conqueror officially becomes the King of England after the Norman invasion. This marked the beginning of the Norman period in Britain and saw the construction of many important landmarks, including the Tower of London. 

❤️🖤💚 December 26, 1966: The first celebration of Kwanzaa officially began. This holiday was an important landmark in celebrating African American heritage. 

🇮🇩 December 27, 1949: Indonesia officially gained independence from the Dutch. This formed the United States of Indonesia, ending their colonial status and ushering them into a new era as their own nation. 

🇺🇲 December 28, 1860: Harriet Tubman finishes her last Underground Railroad journey. It’s estimated that her efforts freed as many as 300 people. 

🇬🇳 December 29, 2015: Guinea was officially found to be free of Ebola. This was a massive relief to the citizens, who had been struggling with the epidemic for years. 

🚨 December 30, 1986: Britain discovered new technology for detecting carbon monoxide in mines, replacing canaries. This helped keep many miners safe going forward. 

🪙 December 31, 1781: The Bank of North America was established as the first bank in the US. This was a major step towards the US as an independent nation. 

The History of the Month December: Its Development Over Time and Interesting Facts

December, the twelfth and final month of the Gregorian calendar, carries an enthralling history. Its chronicle unravels through various calendar systems, notable events, cultural traditions, and the shifting seasons. Let’s trace the historical development of December:

• Roman beginnings: In the early Roman calendar, which was originally a ten-month lunar calendar starting in March, December was the tenth month. The name “December” comes from the Latin word “decem,” which means ten.
• Addition of January and February: Around 713 BC, during the reign of King Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, January and February were added to the beginning of the calendar year. This change made December the twelfth month, but the name rooted in its original position remained.
• Julian calendar: The Julian calendar, implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, introduced certain refinements to the Roman calendar. December, under this system, was standardized to have 31 days.
• Gregorian calendar: The Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, aimed to more accurately align the calendar year with the solar year. This calendar, which is widely used today, kept December as the twelfth and final month, retaining its length of 31 days.
• Religious significance: December is marked by various religious observances across different cultures. For instance, Christianity observes the advent and celebration of Christmas in December, marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Cultural importance: December holds cultural significance in many societies. Celebrations such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve take place in this month. Furthermore, December 10 is recognized globally as Human Rights Day, commemorating the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• Seasonal transitions: In terms of seasons, December denotes the heart of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. The December solstice, usually occurring on December 21, is the day with the shortest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere and the longest in the Southern Hemisphere.

From its origins in the Roman calendar to its role in contemporary religious, cultural, and seasonal observances, the history of December mirrors humanity’s evolving relationship with time and societal traditions.

Final Thoughts

December is a month full of important awareness events and fascinating history. The month reminds us to be aware of very important topics, including AIDS, grief, modern slavery, and animal rights. Its historical status is incredible as well. From Rosa Parks’ monumental contributions to the civil rights movement through her organization of the bus boycotts, to Pearl Harbor’s landmark status in World War II, there have been many important events to happen in December. So this month, remember to be aware of these important issues and commemorate the historic events that have happened. And remember to have a great start to the new year as well!

Stay impactful,

Sources

• National Day Calendar: National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
• NHTSA: Drunk Driving
• Impactful Ninja: Universal Human Rights Month
• National Day Calendar: Learn a Foreign Language Month
• Impactful Ninja: Safe Toys and Gifts Month
• Impactful Ninja: Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
• Impactful Ninja: National Car Donation Month
• Impactful Ninja: International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month
• Impactful Ninja: World Twin to Twin Transfusion Awareness Month
• Impactful Ninja: Decembeard
• Impactful Ninja: World Aids Day
• Impactful Ninja: Rosa Parks Day
• UN: Slavery Abolition Day
• Delta: Modern Slavery
• International Day of People With Disabilities
• Impactful Ninja: Let’s Hug Day
• Impactful Ninja: Giving Tuesday
• Impactful Ninja: Internation Day of Persons with Disabilities
• Impactful Ninja: World Wildlife Conservation Day
• Impactful Ninja: Volunteer Day
• UN: World Soil Day
• When is Pansexual Pride Day
• Awareness Days: International Anti-Corruption Day
• Impactful Ninja: Human Rights Day
• Impactful Ninja: International Animal Rights Day
• National Workplace Day of Remembrance
• Census: Bill of Rights Day
• Archives: The Bill of Rights
• Impactful Ninja: Boston Tea Party
• NSWP: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
• Impactful Ninja: International Migrants Day
• Impactful Ninja: World Meditation Day
• Impactful Ninja: Winter Solstice
• UN: Human Solidarity Day
• Impactful Ninja: Christmas Eve
• Impactful Ninja: Christmas Day
• Impactful.Ninja: New Year’s Eve
• Impactful Ninja: National Handwashing Awareness Week
• Awareness Days: National Grief Awareness Week
• Impactful Ninja: Saturnalia
• History: Rosa Parks
• Brittanica: Joseph McCarthy
• Blackpast: Edith Spurlock Sampson
• Britannica: Cairo Conference
• History: Montgomery Bus Boycott
• NYU: Mapping NYC Labor History
• Archives: 13th Amendment
• Nam: Irish War Independence
• History: Pearl Harbor
• History: Collapse of the Soviet Union
• LA Times: British, IRA Hold Talks
• OHCHR: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Nobel Prize: Ralph Bunche
• Impactful Ninja: International Universal Health Coverage Day
• Impactful Ninja: Hanukkah (Chanukah)
• Impactful Ninja: Kwanzaa
• LOC: World War II
• Britannica: Joseph Hayne Rainey
• Britannica: Nanjing Massacre
• Parliament: Women Vote
• JPL: Mariner 2
• OSCE: Dayton Peace Agreement
• Britannica: Boston Tea Party
• Al Jazeera: Remembering the War of 1971 in East Pakistan
• Air and Space: 1903 Wright Flyer
• FT: Donald Trump Impeached
• Alpha History: First Indochina War
• Alpha History: German Basic Treaty
• On This Day: December 22
• On this Day: December 23
• Britannica: War of 1812
• Britannica: William the Conqueror
• World Vision: 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake
• BBC: Rwandan Genocide
• On This Day: December 28
• History: Harriet Tubman
• Historic UK: Thomas Becket
• Britannica: Soviet Union
• Philadelphia Encyclopedia: Bank of North America
• E. G. Richards: Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History