By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement
As the year draws to a close, December provides a time to gather with loved ones, share in the warmth of community, and embrace the spirit of giving. Whether through holiday traditions, moments of quiet reflection, or simply expressing appreciation, December invites us to look back with gratitude, fostering a sense of joy and renewal as we prepare to step into the new year.
December has a myriad of meaningful holidays that revolve around celebration, memory, and understanding. St. Nichols Day on Friday, Dec. 6, honors the birthday of Saint Nicholas in the Catholic Church and the importance of gift-giving. Immaculate Conception Day on Sunday, Dec. 8, honors the Virgin Mary, an important Catholic figure. Bodhi Day on Sunday, Dec. 8, is the Buddhist holiday recognizing when the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Yule on Saturday, Dec. 21, celebrates the re-emergence of the sun. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, is from Dec. 25-Jan. 2. Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 25, recognizes the birth of Jesus as a Christian holiday, as well as the exchange of gifts and the joy of Santa as a secular holiday. Kwanzaa takes place from Dec. 26-Jan. 1, to honor African American heritage and unite the Black community. Zarathosht Diso on Thursday, Dec. 26, honors the prophet Zoroaster’s death. December concludes with New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to celebrate counting down to the new year and welcoming new beginnings.
Engage in the Workplace
A wonderful way for folks to celebrate and acknowledge the season of gratitude is by giving back to the local community. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, helping prepare meals for the unhoused, or giving your time to be involved in holiday community events are terrific ways to engage with your team and make a difference in person. Another way to give back is to host a toy drive at your workplace; many local charities and organizations welcome donations and volunteers to help sort, collect, or distribute toys.
To celebrate all cultural holidays this month, employers can also organize a lunch event where employees share how they celebrate the holidays in their home or culture. This can include storytelling, music, or highlighting different foods and customs. It is a great way to celebrate the diversity of your workplace while building an understanding of the many holiday traditions within your office.
One of the most fun ideas during the holiday season is to hold the famous ugliest sweater contest. Employees can bring their well-loved or brand-new ugly sweater and dress it up to their liking. At an end of the year staff meeting, or holiday party, this contest is sure to bring engagement and awarding a prize to the winner is a great way to bring the competition to life!
Attend an event
If you are interested in bringing your team, friends, or family to local festivities honoring the holidays this season, consider attending the following events:
Dallas Zoo Lights Presented by Reliant– 5:30-9 p.m. Nov. 22- Jan. 4, 2025
650 S R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203
Explore the themed “Once Upon a Wild Light,” where you can stroll through to encounter the larger-than-life, magical light experience this holiday season. Let your imagination run wild with new and favorite festive holiday treats, holiday-themed photo ops, live musical performances, and over two million lights!
Dallas Holiday Parade– Doors: 7 a.m., Showtime: 9 a.m. Dec. 7 at Downtown Dallas, Commerce St., Dallas, TX, 75201
Join the 36th anniversary of the Dallas Holiday Parade presented by Verizon! Be sure to arrive early to the perfect spot to secure your place in experiencing the joy of festive floats, marching bands, giant balloons, and more.
Tree Lighting Celebration– 4-7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Dallas, TX, 75201
Ignite your holiday spirit with the highly anticipated magical Tree Lighting Celebration. Free and open to the public, the annual event brings joy to downtown Dallas and welcomes families, friends, and neighbors to come together to create lasting memories. Food trucks, family-friendly activities, and holiday-inspired treats will be available.
Chanukah at Klyde Warren Park ft. Matisyahu-5-6:30 p.m. Dec.26, Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, TX, 75201
This year, celebrate Chanukah louder and prouder with Jewish Reggae superstar, Matisyahu! The event is free of charge to ensure hundreds of people of all ages can celebrate the Miracle of Light.
December Volunteer Serving Hope-10-2 p.m. Dec. 27, 2627, South Ervay St. Dallas, TX, 75215
Help serve hope to those in need, by providing folks with warm meals, clothing and a sense of community for all who attend. Let’s come together and make a difference in the lives of others.
Happy Hanukkah! At Painting with a Twist-1-3:00 p.m. Dec. 28 at Painting with a Twist, 1713 Preston Rd, #B Plano, TX 75093
Ages 12+ welcome! Come for a 2-hour step-by-step painting experience led by talented artists that will guide you through each step in painting a menorah. 21+ are welcome to bring their own beer or wine to sip while painting, and all guests should arrive 15 minutes early to get comfortable in their own seat.
DeSoto Kwanzaa Fest– 7-9 p.m. Dec. 30 at DeSoto Civic Center (Bluebonnet Room), 211 East Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115
Come join for a day filled with celebration, culture, and community. The event will feature music, dance performances, art displays, and delicious food. Bring your family and friends to connect with the community and enjoy the festivities!