DEI holidays to celebrate in December

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer! With our ever-growing and diverse employee bases, it's crucial to recognize and honor the holidays that matter across our teams. 

Whether you're looking to spread some cheer, celebrate new traditions, broaden awareness of cultural diversity or enhance your high-performance culture, the list below has you covered.

Month-long DEI celebrations in December

Universal Human Rights Month

The Universal Human Rights Declaration was drafted by the U.N. in 1948. The declaration outlines foundational human rights that need to be protected around the world. Note: Universal Human Rights Day is observed on December 10.

Month of Giving

The Month of Giving is a time dedicated to philanthropy, volunteerism and spreading kindness in the spirit of generosity. This celebration offers a unique opportunity to foster a culture of giving within organizations, demonstrate corporate responsibility and boost employee morale and engagement.

National Write a Business Plan Month

New year, new business? Get a head start during National Write a Business Plan Month by looking at your current plan or document your plan for a new business. This can help you acquire funding, get ahead of the competition and provide a solid foundation heading into the new year.

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Additional December DEI holidays

December 1

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is an annual campaign to unite people in the fight against HIV and show support for individuals who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1988, World AIDS DAY was the first ever global health day.

Rosa Parks Day

Rosa Parks Day is a holiday honoring civil rights leader Rosa Parks on her birthday. While California and Missouri celebrate this holiday in February, other states observe this holiday on the day she was arrested (December 1) or on the first Monday after her birthday. 

December 2

World Computer Literacy Day

Originally an Indian holiday, World Computer Literacy Day occurs annually on December 2 and encourages us to all to help those around us – especially women, children and the underserved – to develop tech skills and digital literacy. With the ubiquity of artificial intelligence, broad-based computer literacy has never been more important.

Giving Tuesday

GivingTuesday, celebrated the Tuesday after Cyber Monday, flips the script on holiday shopping by encouraging generosity and community spirit. It’s the perfect day to support your favorite causes, lend a helping hand, or simply spread kindness in your corner of the world. Workplaces can join the movement with donation drives, volunteer opportunities, or matching employees’ contributions—because giving back feels even better together!

December 3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities brings awareness to the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis, whether physical or mental. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is also an opportunity for organizations to recognize the contributions of disabled employees and create equitable opportunities for everyone.

December 10

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day serves as a reminder that every person is entitled to basic human rights. This holiday reminds us to think about how we treat others and to do what we can to help the fight for equality for all.

(Here's how to celebrate Human Rights Day at work.)

December 14

Hanukkah*

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated with nightly menorah lightings, special prayers and food. The holiday lasts for eight nights.

December 12

Universal Health Coverage Day

Universal Health Coverage Day raises awareness about the need for everyone to have access to quality, affordable healthcare.

December 19

National Ugly Sweater Day

What a better way to kick off the holiday season than with an ugly sweater? Held on the third Friday of every December, National Ugly Sweater Day allows employees the opportunity to showcase their personalities.

December 21

Yule/Winter Solstice

Yule is part of the Celtic calendar and part of the celebration of the Winter Solstice. This holiday predates Christianity and Christmas. Yule is observed in conjunction with the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year.

PS - With the sun setting much earlier, your employees’ mental health may be impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder or lack of Vitamin D. Click here to learn ways you can prioritize mental health in your workplace.

December 25

Christmas

Christmas is a religious holiday (celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ) and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christmas Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1870.

December 26

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrating seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa was conceived as a nonpolitical and nonreligious holiday.

December 31

New Year’s Eve

New Year's Eve is an opportunity to reflect on the year ending and celebrate the upcoming new year. On this day, many people set goals and intentions for the year ahead.

No Interruptions Day

Set on the last working day of each year, No Interruptions Day allows everyone to have a full day to get organized for the new year, wrap up any remaining projects, and clean up their workspace. Help your employees start the new year on the right foot by creating space to get things done!

*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.

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