Obscure December Holidays: Both Yummy and Historic

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, you cannot help but be overwhelmed with the holiday itself; from the constant stream of carols on the radio to poinsettias in the aisles of the grocer.  Typically, beginning the day after Thanksgiving in the United States is the unofficial start to the holiday season.  There are an estimated 1.5 billion Christians in the world and the vast majority of them celebrate Christmas.  However, the month of December features many obscure holidays that are both delicious and historic.

The day after Christmas marks a celebration that is observed in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.  Boxing Day was a day where servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their superiors or employers, known as a “Christmas box.”  Today it is better known as a bank or public holiday, a federal public holiday in Canada and a statutory holiday in Ontario where all full-time workers receive time off with pay. 

There is humbug day; a day to vent your Christmas frustrations however, only twelve humbugs are allowed so use them sparingly.

National flashlight day coincides with the winter solstice, which is the shortest day… and longest night of the year.  It is the day with the most darkness and the perfect day to make sure your flashlight batteries are good.

Pepper Pot Day commemorates the creation of this thick spicy soup which was served to the Continental Army during the cold harsh winter of 1777-1778.  Food was often scarce and while camped at Valley Forge, George Washington asked the army chef to prepare a meal for the troops that would both warm them and boost morale.  The chef used scraps of tripe, small bits of meat and peppercorn.  Along with some additional ingredients, he created Pepper Pot Soup which was well received by the troops.

Some notable December favorites are World Aids Awareness Day, Human Rights Day, Ice Cream Day, Eat a Red Apple Day, National Brownie Day, Maple Syrup Day and Pumpkin Pie day.  I can’t wait to enjoy all this month has to offer!