Eid-Al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice – Islamic)
Commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. It is also part of the Hajj (in which the faithful pilgrimage to Mecca).

Begins at sundown and continues for several days. Dates can vary depending on location and sighting of the moon.*

date resource: moonsighting.com

photo credit: M.Sharma via flickr

Anniversary – 1st Christmas Greeting From Space

"…to all mankind America’s wish for peace on earth and good will toward men everywhere."

In 1958 the first Christmas greeting (a recording from President Dwight Eisenhower) was broadcast from space by a satellite launched a day earlier. 10 years later another Christmas greeting was broadcast from space by the astronauts of Apollo 8 as they circled the moon on Christmas Eve 1968.

United Nations International Migrants Day
A day to bring attention to the important contributions migrant workers make, their effect on the global economy and the lack of rights that are afforded these workers.

photo credit: James M Thorne via flickr

Saturnalia
An ancient festival and time of merriment celebrating the Roman god Saturn and believed by many to have influenced the early Catholic Church’s decision to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th. 

The Roman’s celebrated their god Saturn. Their festival was called Saturnalia which began the middle of December and ended January 1st. With cries of “Jo Saturnalia!” the celebration would include masquerades in the streets, big festive meals, visiting friends, and the exchange of good-luck gifts called Strenae (lucky fruits)…*

source: Christmas on the Net – History of Christmas

photo credit: Dave Matthews via flickr