1.
feast that celebrates the solemn celebration by various Christian denominations of belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2.
a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment
3.
a religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531
4.
a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees, or Israelites, over the Greek-Syrian ruler, Antiochus, approximately 2,200 years ago
5.
celebrates the Winter Solstice, celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans. 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
6.
the day that many Christians associate with Jesus’ birth
7.
a secular holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Africa
8.
an African-American holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal African-American heritage
9.
(Death of Prophet Zarathushtra), a day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion. It commemorates the anniversary of the death of the prophet Zoroaster, or Zarathushtra
10.
a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving
11.
a religious festival of light in Scandinavia and Italy commemorating the martyrdom of St. Lucia, a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith in 304 CE
12.
a nine-day celebration in Mexico commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem
13.
a Christian season of celebration leading up to the birth of Christ
14.
a day to commemorate St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, or protomartyr
15.
feast day for St. John, celebrated by Christian denominations
16.
a Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus
17.
a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus, his mother, and his foster father, St. Joseph, as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families
