International Human Solidarity Day – Tuesday 20th of December 2022  

The UN General Assembly identified in 2005 that solidarity is one of the fundamental and universal values that should underpin relationships between peoples. It is a day to celebrate our unity in diversity and to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity. See the UN’s website for more information. 

Winter Solstice – Wednesday 21st of December 2022  

The winter solstice, also know as the hiemal/hibernal solstice or midwinter, occurs on the 21st or 22nd of December in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Earth’s poles are at their maximum tilt away from the Sun. Less sunlight reaches the earth and this leads to the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and conversely the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. Ancient civilisations built monuments to celebrate the winter and summer solstices such as Stonehenge. The National Geographic has an interesting resource on the solstice designed for kids. 

Christmas Day – Sunday 25th of December 2022 

Christmas is an annual Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Despite its origins as a religious celebration it is celebrated culturally by billions of people around the world. People exchange presents, sing carols, eat a traditional Christmas dinner, and hope that Father Christmas pays them a visit!! Did you know that the popular Christmas song Jingle Bells was the first song to be played in space!