Eleanor Roosevelt inspects the newly ratified Universal Declaration of Human Rights circa 1949. Photo courtesy of the Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center

DIXON, CA (MPG) - On Dec. 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly in Paris drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, an impactful document that set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights.

Established by a multitude of people with different cultural and religious backgrounds, the document, having been translated into 500 languages, is a testament to freedom, equality and dignity. Because of this, every year, on Dec. 10, the United Nations renews and celebrates its commitment to this historic declaration.

December has several internationally-celebrated holidays.

For example, Dec. 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Established in 1992 by the United Nations, its purpose is to promote an understanding of disability issues and accrue support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also aims to foster awareness and emphasize the significance of integrating persons with disabilities into every aspect of life.

Outside of Christmas, many around the world, and within Dixon, might also celebrate Kwanzaa or Hanukkah. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture taking place over a week, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The holiday is meant to celebrate unity, creativity, faith and gift giving among all African Americans, regardless of religious background. The name Kwanzaa itself derives from the phrase “Matunda ya Kwanza,” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Established by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an African American activist and writer in 1966, Kwanzaa is celebrated with singing, dancing, storytelling and large traditional meals.

On the sixth day of the celebration, Dec. 31, families hold a traditional African feast, called a “Karamu Ya Imani” or “Feast of Faith” in Swahili where guests eat, converse, honor ancestors and drink from the “kikombe cha umoja” (unity cup).

Hanukkah, sometimes called Chanukah depending on Hebrew transliterations, is another annual week-long celebration celebrating the Jewish faith. Hanukkah, which means “dedication”in Hebrew, is Judaism’s Festival of Light. Established in 164 BCE, the eight-day affair commemorates the reclamation of the Temple of Jerusalem by the Jewish people in the 2nd Century.

During this time, the Seleucid Greek Empire had conquered Jerusalem and outlawed the practice of Judaism. A small army of Jews, known as the Maccabees, banded together and retook the temple. Once inside, they realized they only had enough oil to light their ritual candelabrum, called a menorah, for one day. Somehow, the menorah remained lit for eight days. To honor this miraculous event, a family will light their menorah each day over the entire holiday and cook dishes primarily using oil, such as latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.

Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, meaning it’s based on the position of the sun and moon, Hanukkah’s start date varies based on the year. In 2024, Hanukkah will be from Dec. 25 to Jan. 2.

December is considered the season of giving because of the prevalence of Christmas but many more factors play a role in its festive air. This period of celebration is also a time of charitability, community and conclusions, leading into New Year's. However you choose to celebrate this year, it is your fundamental right to do so how you see fit.