Holiday Celebrations for December 2023
‘Tis the season to gather together in joyous celebration to participate in our various traditions. Below is a list of holidays, programming, and events for the month of December:
DEC. 06
Holiday Blues Vespers
For many of us, the holiday season and ending of a year can be challenging. Join us at UUS at 6:30 PM for this evening service as we hold space for ourselves and each other, acknowledging the darkness of winter through readings and poetry, chanting, ritual, and meditation.
DEC. 07
Hanukkah (Chanukah)
“Also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah (or Chanukah) celebrates two miracles: a great Jewish military victory and a miraculous supply of oil for the Temple. The Hanukkah menorah holds nine candles, one for each of the eight nights and an additional candle that’s used to light the others. One candle is lit on the first night, two on the second night, until all eight candles are lit on the eighth night. Hanukkah is a time to celebrate with family and friends, to eat holiday treats, to give gifts (especially to children) and to play the dreidel game.” Celebrated on 12/7 through 12/15.
DEC. 08
Secular Humanists Potluck
The annual Secular Humanist Holiday Potluck will take place on Friday evening, December 8th, at 6:00 PM in the UUS Fellowship Hall. We will look forward to a casual time of good food and good conversation. Please watch for more details to come!
DEC. 22
CUUPS Winter Solstice
Come honor and celebrate the longest night, receive a blessing, banish plights, and manifest dreams into the world. Our gathering will have three parts; it starts with an evening ritual and soup supper, then continues through the night in vigil and celebration, and concludes with a sunrise ritual to welcome the newborn Sun. You are welcome to join us for all three parts or two or one as you desire. Join us at any time.
Read the full blog post here.
DEC. 24
Christmas Eve Services
10:00 AM Service: Join us at UUS or online for our special Christmas Eve family service with lessons, special music, and carols! Rev. Diana Smith preaching.
9:00 PM Service: Join us outdoors at UUS for a candlelight service of carols and readings. We’ll be outdoors for this half-hour service so dress warmly and be prepared to sing as loudly as you like as we make Christmas music together! If is below 20-25 degrees we will be in the sanctuary. Rev. Diana Smith preaching.
DEC. 26
Kwanzaa
“Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. Kwanzaa has seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). It was created by Maulana Karenga, and was first celebrated in 1966–67.” Celebrated 12/26 through 01/01.
DEC. 31
Online-only Worship Service with UUA President
Seeds for the New Year: What seeds are you planting for the new year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and goodness and love in all that’s ahead? These questions are at the heart of this service, during which Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, will be preaching.
ONLINE ONLY
