Happy Holidays!

December 2, 2016

Do you celebrate a special holiday in December? You are not alone. There are many December holidays and traditions. It is a time for decorations, drumming, gifts, and treats. Take a look.

RUSS ROHDE—GETTY IMAGES

Some people celebrate Christmas.

People hang ornaments and lights on trees. The tradition tradition ARIEL SKELLEY—GETTY IMAGES a practice, story, or belief that has been part of a family or group for a long time ( ) It is a tradition in Jim’s family to play football on Thanksgiving. of tree decorating decorate STEVE DEBENPORT—GETTY IMAGES something added to make something else look better ( ) Lily and her friends added decorations to their holiday cards. is about 400 years old. This tree has a star on top.

SEAN D. ELLIOT—THE DAY/AP

Some people celebrate Kwanzaa.

This holiday honors African-American traditions and the family. People dance and play drums. Candles are lit.

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Some people celebrate Hanukkah.

These kids are lighting a menorah. A new candle is lit each night for eight nights. At last, all the candles burn brightly.

CHRISTOPHE SIMONE—AFP/GETTY IMAGES

We celebrate the New Year!

People around the world welcome the New Year with fireworks and parties. This celebration is in Brazil.

JOHN PATRIQUIN—PORTLAND PRESS/GETTY IMAGES

Did You Know?

In Greece, a New Year’s tradition is to bake a sweet bread with a surprise inside. A coin is hidden in the dough. It is said the person who gets the coin will have good luck.

Think!

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Holidays in the News

Look at this newspaper page. Read about December holiday events in one town. Then answer the questions.

CYNDI MONAGHAN—GETTY IMAGES (CRAFTS); GETTY IMAGES (GIFTS); DAVID ARKY—GETTY IMAGES (MIKE); MARCELA BARSSE—GETTY IMAGES (MUSIC); UYEN LE—GETTY IMAGES (FOOD); TRENT HUNT—GETTY IMAGES (NEWSPAPER)

1. Which event is only for kids?

2. What time does the breakfast start?

3. Which event is on Saturday?

4. Where is the holiday concert?