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Five Faves: December Holidays

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December has a magical quality about it. The abundance of holidays celebrated this month have much to do with the enchanting ambience of the season. I would love to visit Japan in December to experience the celebrations behind the Buddhist holiday, Bodhi Day. Or visit a Jewish home to participate in the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. Going to the UK to shop until I drop on Boxing Day would be a dream! And I'd love to witness the joy of friends and family at a Karamu Feast at the tail end of Kwanzaa. There are so many holidays, meaningful traditions, and joyful celebrations that occur all over the world in December and I wish I could be a part of them all. Luckily, we have a wealth of knowledge and vicarious experience at our fingertips through the library! Below are books about three December holidays, but you can find more books in our catalog and information about other December holidays in Provo Library's databases.

Christmas

Santa in the City
Written by Tiffany D. Jackson
Illustrated by Reggie Brown
Dial Books, 2021. Picture Book.

As a city kid, Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her.  Her apartment doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer. But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.

Joy to the World!: Christmas Around the Globe
Written by Kate DePalma
Illustrated by Sophi Fatus
Barefoot Books, 2021. Informational.

Learn about Christmas traditions from thirteen different countries!

Hanukkah

Ava's Homemade Hanukkah
Written by Geraldine Woberg
Illustrated by Julia Seal
Albert Whitman & Company, 2022. Picture Book.

Ava is old enough to make a personalized menorah to bring to her family's celebration on the eighth night, but she's not sure what represents her.  Will she find inspiration as she learns about her family's history?

Light The Menorah
Written by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Kristina Swarner
Kar-Ben Publishing, 2018. Informational.

In this Hanukkah handbook, holiday history, rituals, activities, songs, and recipes provide tools for creating meaningful family moments in the light of the menorah. 

Kwanzaa

My First Kwanzaa
By Karen Katz
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, 2003. Picture Book.

A girl describes how she and her family celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa.

The People Remember
Written by Ibi Zoboi
Illustrated by Loveis Wise
Balzer & Bray, 2021. Informational.

Recounts the journey of African descendants in America by connecting their history to the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
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