Events 

January

January: A time of new beginnings

As the New Year celebrations come to an end, and the sun becoming brighter. Spring and Summer are coming closer than people will think

Celebrations of the New Year

January, the second month of winter, is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors and transitions, symbolizing new beginnings that's why people do new year resolution's. The days growing finally longer, and starts to warmer, many people engage in activities such as setting resolutions, participating in fun, enjoying holiday festivities, and reflecting on the past year while planning for the future. Additionally, it's a time for many to focus on self-improvement, whether through fitness goals, learning new skills, or spending time with family and friends.

Cultural Festivals

New Year's Day (January 1): Celebrated globally, this day marks the beginning of the new year. Various cultures have their own traditions, including fireworks, parties, and family gatherings.

Epiphany (January 6): Also known as Three Kings' Day, this Christian festival commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus. It is celebrated in many countries with parades, special meals, and gift-giving.

Pongal (January 14-17): A multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu, India. It involves cooking a special dish called Pongal, and various cultural activities.

Makar Sankranti (January 14): A Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is celebrated with kite flying, bonfires, and feasting in various parts of India.

Lohri (January 13): A popular Punjabi festival celebrated primarily in North India, marking the end of winter. It involves bonfires, singing, and dancing.

Sundance Film Festival (January): Held in Park City, Utah, this is one of the largest independent film festivals in the United States, showcasing new work from American and international filmmakers.

Australia Day (January 26): Celebrated in Australia, this day marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788. It includes various events, parades, and fireworks.

National Day of Mourning (January 26): Observed by many Indigenous Australians as a day of protest against the arrival of British colonizers and the impact on Indigenous communities.

International Day of Education (January 24): A United Nations observance that highlights the importance of education for peace and development.

Chinese New Year (January 29): Also known as Lunar New Year, this festival marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Celebrations include family reunions, feasts, and various cultural performances.

Written By Kurtis Chen

December

December: A merry time of cold and snow

Autumn as dissipated to Winter, cold and snow in the frosted air covered with snowmen and white. December is famous for its multitude of holidays like the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Saturnalia

Celebrations of the New Year

December is a month that brings the feel of winter, bringing with it a sense of festivity and reflection as the year comes to a end. The days grow shorter, and the air turns colder, as families gather, giving stories and gifts, there is a spirit of gratitude and hope for the year ahead. December also invites moments of introspection, as many take the time to reflect on the past year’s experiences and set intentions for the future, making it a month of both celebration and contemplation.

Cultural Festivals

Christmas (December 25): Celebrated by Christians around the world, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is marked by festive decorations, gift-giving, family gatherings, and various traditions such as caroling and feasting.

Hanukkah (December 25): Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that usually falls in December. It commemorates the building of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is celebrated by lighting the menorah, playing Dreidel, and enjoying traditional foods like Latkes.

Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1): This week-long celebration honors African heritage and culture. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles, such as unity and self-determination, and is marked by community gatherings, storytelling, and cultural activities.

Winter Solstice (around December 21): The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate this event with festivals that honor the return of the sun, including Yule in pagan traditions and various indigenous celebrations.

New Year's Eve (December 31): The final day of the year is celebrated worldwide with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight. It is a time for reflection on the past year and for making resolutions for the year ahead.

Bodhi Day (December 8): In Buddhism, Bodhi Day commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. It is observed with meditation, reflection, and the decoration of trees with lights and ornaments.

These festivals, among others, create a vibrancy of celebrations that highlight the diversity of human experience during the month of December.

Written By Kurtis Chen

October & November

October and November: A Celebration of Spooky Fun and Gratitude.

As autumn paints the world in shades of orange and gold, October and November bring a delightful mix of holidays that invite us to celebrate with joy, creativity, and appreciation. Let’s explore these special occasions that light up the season!

October: Embracing the Spirit of Halloween

October is perhaps best known for Halloween, celebrated on the 31st. This holiday transforms our neighborhoods into a whimsical playground filled with ghosts, witches, and imaginative costumes. Children (and adults) dress up as everything from superheroes to historical figures, embarking on the beloved tradition of trick-or-treating. The quest for candy is not just about the treats; it’s an adventure that builds excitement and  suspense within our community.

Pumpkin carving is another cherished October tradition. Families gather to create jack-o'-lanterns, bringing out their artistic flair. Some might aim for spooky designs, while others prefer the humorous or silly approach. Just remember to keep the carving tools away from fingers—no one wants a pumpkin mishap!

November: A Time for Reflection and Togetherness

As we move into November, we begin to anticipate Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. This holiday centers around family gatherings and a sumptuous feast that often includes turkey, stuffing, and of course, pumpkin pie. It’s a time to express gratitude for our blessings, whether it’s family, friends, or simply the fact that we survived the pumpkin carving!

November also honors Veterans Day on the 11th, a significant occasion dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices made by military veterans. Communities often come together to hold parades and ceremonies, providing a moment to reflect on their bravery and service. It’s a meaningful reminder of the importance of respect and appreciation for those who protect our freedoms.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

Beyond Halloween and Thanksgiving, October and November are rich with cultural celebrations. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, often falls in late October or early November and is celebrated by millions around the world. This vibrant festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are decorated with colorful lights, and families come together to enjoy delicious sweets and festivities.

Additionally, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated in early November, honors loved ones who have passed away. Families create beautiful altars adorned with photographs, flowers, and favorite foods of the departed. This holiday serves as a joyful reminder of the lives lived and the memories cherished.

Written By Ivana Ajari