Christmas is celebrated in many countries. Whether it is celebrated as a religious holiday or a cultural holiday, Christmas is dear in the hearts of those who celebrate it. In addition to tree decorating and exchanging gifts, many spend much of this day in church to celebrate the birth of Jesus. To those who celebrate this very special day, I wish you a very merry Christmas.

December Events

National Write a Business Plan Month. Whether your New Year’s resolution is to start your own business or to keep it going, December is the time to start planning. A good business plan should define your goals, set objectives, identify your niche, and create a timeline for reviewing your progress.

Root Vegetables & Exotic Fruits Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Fruits and Veggies Matter website designates December as a month to enjoy parsnips, rutabagas, kumquats, ugli fruits, and other healthful foods (in between holiday cookies and cakes, of course). For more information visit https://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html

Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Don’t let potentially harmful presents turn your holiday celebration into a trip to the emergency room. Prevent Blindness America cautions gift-givers to buy age-appropriate toys, review warnings, and avoid any toys with pieces that shoot or fly off. For more information visit https://www.cpsc.gov/index.html and search toys.

Weekly Events

Human Rights Week, Dec. 10-17. Human Rights Week is held every year to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations on Dec. 10, 1948—the first formal, globally accepted document establishing the most fundamental of human rights. For more information visit https://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/history.shtml

Cookie Cutter Week, Dec. 1-7. If you collect cookie cutters, this week is for you. And if you just like to bake holiday cookies for your friends, family, and co-workers, Cookie Cutter Week is the perfect excuse to get out your cookie cutters and fire up the oven.

Daily Events

National Miner’s Day, Dec. 6. Honoring the accomplishments and sacrifices of the nation’s miners, past, present, and future.

Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7. Date of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which brought the United States into World War II. For more information visit https://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec07.html

National Haiku Poetry Day, Dec. 22. Celebrating the ancient Japanese poetry form. For more information visit
https://www.edu.pe.ca/stjean/playing%20with%20poetry/Hennessey/howtohaiku.htm

Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.

New Years Eve, Dec. 31. Not a holiday but celebrated around the world to bring in the new year.