There are a number of opportunities in December to recognize and participate in raising awareness and inspire action for important health and social topics, as well as fun awareness topics for everyone to enjoy.
December includes observances like World AIDS Day, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and National Safe Toys and Gifts Month to keep us knowledgeable and mindful during this holiday season. It’s time to recognize Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Seasonal Depression Awareness, Universal Human Rights Month, and National Driving Impaired Prevention Month- all three encouraging safety, awareness, and community in our daily lives.
There are also some lighter holidays this month like National Pear Month and National Fruitcake Month providing some festive, joyous fun before the year comes to a close.
December includes observances like World AIDS Day, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and National Safe Toys and Gifts Month to keep us knowledgeable and mindful during this holiday season. It’s time to recognize Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Seasonal Depression Awareness, Universal Human Rights Month, and National Driving Impaired Prevention Month- all three encouraging safety, awareness, and community in our daily lives.
There are also some lighter holidays this month like National Pear Month and National Fruitcake Month providing some festive, joyous fun before the year comes to a close.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities is in December! This day is an annual United Nations promoted observance to promote the rights of and well-being of people with disabilities and raise awareness of their inclusion in all aspects of society. The theme of this years International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. The commemorative event will take place virtually from 10:00 to 11:30am EST and will be focusing on achieving disability inclusion. To watch the Commencement on December 3rd click here to view on the UN’s website!
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month sheds light on the millions of people around the world who suffer from symptoms of SAD. SAD, commonly known as Seasonal Depression is a type of depression that occurs during the late fall and winter months where there is less sunlight and colder weather. Millions of Americans are affected by this annually, and usually see symptoms lift during the spring and summer months. Researchers found that SAD symptoms are directly linked to sunlight that help us to maintain adequate levels of serotonin. Making sure you’re getting enough Vitamin D during the Winter months, spending time with loved ones, and making sure you’re getting of plenty of rest will decrease likelihood of Seasonal Affective Disorder. For more information and support, learn more on the National Institute of Mental Health’s website.
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December is National Fruitcake Month, celebrating the sweet holiday treat made of candied or dried fruit, nuts, spices, sugar, and brandy or bourbon. Fruitcakes originated all the way back to ancient Egypt, as many researchers have fruitcakes in Egyptian tombs to provide nourishment in the afterlife. These cakes were persevered through multiple methods such as baking a cake in the copper mold that would create a vacuum as the cake cooled, sealing the dessert to the container and preserving it for thousands of years. Americans have since popularized the dessert as a holiday delicacy, establishing the “mail-in order fruitcake” in 1913. National Fruitcake Day is December 27 and can be celebrated by making or purchasing a fruitcake to share with the ones you love! For more fun facts on the Fruitcake, explore the National Fruitcake page on the National Day Calendar Website!
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MORE AWARENESS HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR DECEMBER 2025
