As the calendar year draws to a close, December brings with it a spirit of celebration, reflection, and anticipation, especially within your classroom. For you, this month presents a wonderful opportunity to ignite a sense of wonder and learning as you celebrate not only the holiday season but also significant historical events and the birthdays of influential figures who have shaped America. Below you will find a guide to explore holidays, the legacies of famous Americans, and pivotal moments in history with your students during December.
Holidays in December
December is full with holidays that bring people together, each with its own unique traditions and meanings.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that usually occurs in December. It celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Each night, a candle is lit on the menorah, and families enjoy traditional foods like latkes and doughnuts.
Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is perhaps the most widely celebrated holiday in December, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. Christmas trees, lights, and decorations create a holiday atmosphere.
Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage in African American culture. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa focuses on seven principles, including unity, self-determination, and cooperative economics. The holiday features candle lighting, music, dance, and storytelling.
New Year’s Eve (December 31)
The final day of the year, New Year’s Eve, is a time for reflection and anticipation. People around the world celebrate with parties, fireworks, and countdowns to ring in the new year. It is a moment to set resolutions and look forward to new beginnings.
Birthdays of Famous Americans
Several influential Americans share their birthdays in December. Here are some noteworthy figures:
Walt Disney (December 5, 1901)
Walt Disney, the visionary behind the Disney empire, was born on December 5, 1901. He revolutionized the entertainment industry with animated films and theme parks, creating beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and fostering a legacy of imagination and creativity.
Emily Dickinson (December 10, 1830)
Emily Dickinson, one of America’s most renowned poets, was born on December 10, 1830. Known for her unique and introspective style, Dickinson’s poetry explores themes of nature, love, and death. Her work continues to captivate readers and inspire writers.
Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915)
Frank Sinatra, the iconic American singer and actor, was born on December 12, 1915. With his smooth voice and charismatic presence, Sinatra became a legend in the music industry, leaving behind classics such as “My Way” and “New York, New York.”
Jane Austen (December 16, 1775)
Although Jane Austen was British, her influence on American literature and culture is undeniable. Born on December 16, 1775, Austen’s novels, including “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility,” continue to be celebrated for their wit, social commentary, and enduring characters.
Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856)
Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, was born on December 28, 1856. His presidency was marked by significant events such as World War I and the founding of the League of Nations. Wilson’s leadership and vision for international cooperation have left a lasting impact on global politics.
Historic Events in December
December has been the backdrop for numerous historic events that have shaped the course of American history.
Rosa Parks’ Arrest (December 1, 1955)
Rosa Parks’ arrest on December 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white man, sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous act of defiance became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, challenging racial segregation and inspiring change across the nation.
Pearl Harbor Attack (December 7, 1941)
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was a defining moment in American history, leading to the United States’ entry into World War II. The surprise military strike by the Japanese Navy Air Service on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii resulted in significant loss of life and marked a turning point in the war.
Bill of Rights Ratified (December 15, 1791)
The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was ratified on December 15, 1791. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773)
The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal event in the American Revolution. On December 16, 1773, American colonists, frustrated with British taxation without representation, dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This act was a movement for independence and resistance against British rule.
Wright Brothers’ First Flight (December 17, 1903)
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history with the first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This groundbreaking achievement paved the way for modern aviation and transformed the way people travel and connect across the globe.
Cultural Celebrations and Observances
In addition to major holidays and historical milestones, December also hosts a variety of cultural celebrations and observances.
Human Rights Day (December 10)
Human Rights Day, observed on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. It is a day to reflect on the ongoing struggle for human rights and to advocate for dignity, freedom, and justice for all.
Winter Solstice (December 21)
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of reflection and renewal, celebrated by various cultures with festivals and rituals that honor the return of longer days and the promise of spring.
New Year’s Eve Traditions
As December concludes, New Year’s Eve brings a host of traditions that vary from one culture to another. From the iconic ball drop in Times Square to fireworks displays and special meals, it is a time to celebrate the past year and welcome the new one with hope and optimism.
Conclusion
December is a month brimming with reasons to celebrate, from joyous holidays and significant birthdays to historic events that have left a mark on American history. Whatever your reason for celebration, may this month bring you warmth, happiness, and a sense of connection with the world around you.
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Related Resources Available from Reading Specialty
To help you develop background information on some of these topics, click on the resources in the list below the image. You will be linked to resources from Reading Specialty. These will contain a differentiated passage written at three different grade levels (grades 6/7, 8, and 9/10). Following the passages there are comprehension questions (main idea, vocabulary, organizational pattern, inferences, and summarizing). A complete preview of the product is available from the TPT site linked.
Rosa Parks
Pearl Harbor
Bill of Rights
Wright Brothers
Equinox and Solstice
History of Holiday Decorations/Traditions
A Full Month Bundle–31 Days of Passages
Are you looking for a collection of passages related to December to help your students create background knowledge? Students read the passages and answer the comprehension questions following their reading.
