Celebrating the Season — Many Holidays, Many Stories, One Community

/ Hinton Real Estate Group/

December is a whole vibe.

Lights everywhere. Warm drinks. Family traditions. And a calendar packed with celebrations from cultures all around the world.

At Team Hinton, we believe culture is what makes community rich — and the holidays are the perfect time to slow down, look around, and appreciate the traditions that bring people joy, connection, and meaning this time of year.

This month’s Culture Blog highlights some of the most celebrated December holidays, their origins, and how people honor them today. Whether you celebrate one, several, or none at all — this is a chance to learn, connect, and enjoy the beauty of our diverse community.

1. Christmas (December 25)

A Celebration of Hope, Light, and Nativity

Origins: Christmas began as a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th. Over centuries it became a blend of religious, cultural, and seasonal traditions around the world.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Decorating trees and homes

  • Exchanging gifts

  • Singing carols

  • Family gatherings

  • Church services

  • Santa Claus (inspired by Saint Nicholas) bringing joy to children

Fun Interactive Activity: Ask someone: “Real tree or artificial?”

You’ll get a passionate debate every time.

2. Hanukkah (Dates vary; usually in December)

The Festival of Lights

Origins: Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of a single day’s supply of oil burning for eight days.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Lighting the menorah for eight nights

  • Playing dreidel

  • Eating foods fried in oil (latkes, sufganiyot)

  • Gathering with family

  • Sharing blessings and songs

Fun Interactive Activity: Try spinning a dreidel — and see who wins the gelt (chocolate coins).

3. Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)

Celebrating African American Heritage, Community, and Culture

Origins: Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa honors African traditions and African American cultural values through seven principles called the Nguzo Saba:

Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Lighting the Kinara

  • Sharing the principles each day

  • Cultural performances

  • African drumming and dance

  • Feasting on the final night (Karamu)

  • Supporting Black-owned businesses

Fun Interactive Activity: Ask your circle: “Which Kwanzaa principle do you connect with most this year?”

The conversations get deep — fast.

4. Winter Solstice (December 21)

The Longest Night, the Return of Light

Origins: Long before modern holidays, ancient cultures celebrated the solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year — honoring light, nature, and new beginnings.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Bonfires

  • Nature walks

  • Reflective journaling

  • Candle ceremonies

  • Spiritual or cultural gatherings

Fun Interactive Activity: Create a “welcome back, sunlight” wishlist of everything you want to manifest as the days get longer.

5. Las Posadas (December 16–24)

A Journey of Faith and Community

Origins: A Mexican and Latin American tradition reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before Jesus was born.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Musical processions

  • Candlelight walks

  • Breaking piñatas

  • Sharing food like tamales and ponche

  • Community gatherings

Fun Interactive Activity: Ask your friends who grew up celebrating Posadas to share their favorite childhood dish — you might get an invite to try it.

6. Diwali (Often in November, but sometimes extends into December celebrations)

India’s Festival of Lights

While Diwali is technically in late fall, many families continue their celebrations into December.

Origins: Diwali honors the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Lighting diyas (oil lamps)

  • Fireworks

  • Decorating with rangoli

  • Sharing sweets

  • Family gatherings

  • Wearing new clothes

Fun Interactive Activity: Try making a simple rangoli design with sidewalk chalk — uplifting and beautiful.

7. New Year’s Eve (December 31)

Goodbye, Old Year. Hello, New Beginnings.

Origins: New Year traditions date back thousands of years, marking renewal, reflection, and vision for the future.

How It’s Celebrated Today:

  • Fireworks

  • Countdown parties

  • Champagne toasts

  • Making resolutions

  • Staying up to “watch the ball drop”

Fun Interactive Activity: Write down one thing you’re leaving in 2024 and one thing you’re claiming in 2025 — then share it with someone you trust.

Why Cultural Celebrations Matter

December reminds us how different traditions can bring people together in shared values: light, family, generosity, gratitude, storytelling, and hope.

These holidays may look different, but they all ask the same question:

How do we honor the people we love and the beliefs we carry?

At Team Hinton, we’re proud to serve a community with so many rich stories and traditions. Your culture is welcome here. Your celebrations are welcome here. You are welcome here.

Celebrate Your Way — Home Is Where Culture Lives

Whether your December means lighting candles, decorating trees, singing songs, eating special foods, honoring your heritage, or simply resting after a long year — your traditions matter.

And as always, we’re here to support you in every season of life and every step of your home journey.

From our family to yours — Happy Holidays, in every way you celebrate.