Important December Dates
- Dec 21 Winter Solstice
- Dec 25 Christmas
- Dec 25-Jan 2 Hanukkah
- Dec 26-Jan 8 Kwanzaa
The winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rites. This is because it is the point when the shortening of daylight hours is reversed and daytime begins to lengthen again. In parts of Europe it was seen as the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun. Some ancient monuments such as Newgrange, Stonehenge, Cahokia Woodhenge and Ahu Tongariki are aligned with the sunrise or sunset on the winter solstice.
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will all be celebrated during our winter break and we wish all who celebrate times full of joy and peace. To learn more about each celebration please click on the holiday above.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.
