There are plenty of meaningful and important events and holidays happening this month — some of which you've heard of, and some of which might be new to you.
Macaroni KID New Iberia wants to celebrate with you! Here are ten special holidays and other memorable dates for your family to recognize and celebrate this December.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3
With 1 billion people living with disabilities worldwide, the United Nations says, "the commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; it is an investment in a common future."
It's important that we not only bring awareness but that we also continue to support, learn, and help the organizations in our area that provide support for those in our community. You can find out more about International Day of People with Disabilities and the events happening around the country.
We also have several groups in Acadiana that offer support for you or a family member. Whether you are looking to donate, volunteer, or just learn more, here are local groups in our area to reach out to:
Families Helping Families of Acadiana
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Saint Nicholas Day
December 6
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated widely across Europe, where it holds a special place in the hearts and cultures of many countries, from the Netherlands and Belgium, where children eagerly await Sinterklaas, to Germany and Austria with their Nikolaustag traditions of polished boots filled with treats.
Want to take part? Let your children leave shoes or stockings out on the eve of St. Nicholas Day ... perhaps St. Nicholas himself will fill them with small gifts or sweets before morning!
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Hanukkah
December 7 thru December 15
The eight-day Jewish celebration, often called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts. Be sure to check out our article on How to Play Dreidel and get a delicious recipe for these amazing sweet potato latkes.
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Ugly Sweater Day
December 15
Today is the day to break out that absurd holiday sweater and let it shine! It's the day when your fashion faux pas turns into festive fun — the more outrageous and colorful the sweater, the better. Let's see your ugliest sweater New Iberia!
Las Posadas
December 16 - 24
New Iberia, or Nueva Iberia, is very familiar with our Spanish heritage and we proudly show case that each year with the El Festival Espanol de NuevaIberia which usually occurs in April in New Iberia. So this December, let's celebrate Las Posadas!
Las Posadas, which translates to "The Inns" in Spanish is a religious festival that is a traditional and important part of the Christmas festivities in Mexico and parts of Latin America and in Hispanic communities in the United States. While it originated in the church, the custom has now spread to family homes.
Las Posadas is often organized by neighborhood committees, with a different host family each night. Visitors, who ask for lodging for Joseph and Mary, bring food, candy, and star-shaped piñatas to celebrate. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols sung.
 Image by Tracie Ysaguire |
National Twin Day
December 18
How many twins do you know? Twins seem to be more frequent now than when I was a kid! As a mother of twin girls, my kids are usually never the only pair of twins in their school or at group activities.
They keep me on the edge of my seat with double the trouble but offer double the love too. If you are a twin, then be sure to celebrate today! If you know twins, then make sure to give them a shout out today!
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Winter Solstice
December 21
Need a simple way to explain the Winter Solstice to your kids? This is the day that has the shortest period of daylight of the year. In 2023, the winter solstice falls at exactly 9:27 PM central standard time. The Winter Solstice is one of the ancient holidays that dates back to the stone age. Learn more about this tradition and other Winter Holidays and Traditions Around the World.
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Christmas Day
December 25
This holiday began as the Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus and has become a cultural and commercial holiday as well. Traditions range from religious to secular and include gift exchanges, decorated Christmas trees and light displays, church services, visits with Santa, and meals with family and friends.
We have the map for the New Iberia Best Christmas decorations contest ready to go to help you add to your family fun this December. Our holiday guide is set to release this weekend sponsored by Macaroni KID New Iberia.
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Kwanzaa
December 26 -January 1
This annual celebration was started in the U.S. as a way to honor African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa has seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
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New Year's Eve
December 31
Happy New Year! This is the day we celebrate the end of one year as we move into the new one!
Whether you are the one that goes to bed at 9pm or stay up well past midnight, be sure to celebrate making it through another year. If you have littles who won't be able to stay up until midnight, then be sure to celebrate with your own Noon Year's Eve celebration — they don't need to know it's a few hours early! Usually our local libraries hold events for the littles to get into the celebration too.
We have begun a new tradition and I look forward it every year. I love to create a vision board each year with old magazines, stickers, markers and anything crafty I can get my hands on. It's a fun activity for a group of friends, or to do on your own or to with the kids over holiday break. By creating a vision board you are keeping a visual stock of some of the things you would like to add or bring into your life as you move into this new year.
Macaroni KID New Iberia loves sharing all the news, events,
and resources that local families can use!
If your business or organization would like to be featured as part of a national day or monthly holiday to advertise your event, products, or services, let us know! You can also submit your local free or low cost events for review directly on our events calendar.
Also, if our followers have celebrations in your family for the upcoming months that you would like to see featured, please email your suggestions to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
We'd love to hear from you!
