MESSAGE FROM YOUR STATE THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

From the whole Spano family, let me wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and glorious 2025 to come!!

When thinking of the month of December, as a Christian, Christmas 12/25 and my birthday 12/30 is what I first think of. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ isn’t the only celebrated religious holiday in December!

The OSDIA, as a large fraternal organization, which has a diverse cross section of members, and as not all the people who are reading this are of the same religious group, as some might have no religious affiliation at all.

As every religion has different sects, (the same god, just different interpretations of their teachings or written text), some observe these same events not just differently, but also in different time periods!

Here is a list of key religious holidays celebrated in December across various faiths:

Advent (Christianity)

Dates: Begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th and lasts until Christmas Eve (varies each year).

Significance: A time of preparation and waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas.

Immaculate Conception (Catholic Christianity)

Date: December 8

Significance: Commemorates the belief in the conception of the Virgin Mary without original sin.

Hanukkah (Judaism)

Dates: 25th of Kislev to 2nd of Tevet (varies each year based on the Hebrew calendar, usually falls in late November to December)

Significance: The Festival of Lights, celebrating the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.

St. Nicholas Day (Christianity)

Date: December 6

Significance: Honors St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants. The day is celebrated with gift-giving traditions in many cultures.

Feast of the Nativity (Eastern Orthodox Christianity)

Date: December 25 (Julian calendar, which corresponds to January 7 on the Gregorian calendar)

Significance: The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, similar to Western Christmas, but according to the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar. 

Christmas (Christianity)

Date: December 25

Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central holiday in Christianity, observed with various religious and secular traditions.

Kwanzaa (African American Culture)

Dates: December 26 to January 1

Significance: Although not a religious holiday in the traditional sense, Kwanzaa is rooted in African traditions and principles. It celebrates African heritage and unity.

Boxing Day (Christianity)

Date: December 26

Significance: Celebrated in many countries, particularly in the UK, Canada, and Australia, it traditionally honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and is a day of giving to the poor.

The Feast of the Holy Family (Christianity)

Date: The Sunday after Christmas, typically December 29 or 30

Significance: Celebrates the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, honoring their role in the Christian faith.

Festivus (Secular Humanist/Cultural)

Date: December 23

Significance: A humorous, secular “holiday” popularized by the TV show Seinfeld. It’s a parody of Christmas and includes traditions like the “Airing of Grievances” and “Feats of Strength.”

Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

Date: December 8

Significance: Marks the day Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

Zoroastrian Yalda Night (Zoroastrianism)

Date: December 21 or 22 (Winter Solstice)

Significance: Celebrates the longest night of the year, welcoming the return of the sun and the triumph of light over darkness.

Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)

Date: Varies depending on the Islamic lunar calendar (typically December in some years)

Significance: Marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s observed by some Muslim communities with celebrations and prayers.

Alan Spano
3rd Vice President, Central

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!