December is a month of reflection, connection, and collective meaning. As the year winds down, organizations often pause to celebrate progress, honor community stories, and recommit to inclusion in the year ahead. It’s also a month defined by global observances - from HIV/AIDS Awareness Month to Human Rights Day - that invite us to deepen empathy and strengthen our workplace cultures.

For ERG leaders, people teams, and culture-builders, December offers both celebration and purpose. These observances help teams elevate underrepresented voices, acknowledge resilience, and create moments of belonging across our communities.

Planning your DEI or ERG programming for December? Verbate gives ERG Leaders & Program Managers resources, community and recognition for their ERG work. Learn more here.

December at a Glance

A quick, scannable overview of December’s key observances to support ERG planning and end-of-year programming.

Key December Heritage & Awareness Observances

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month (All Month)

December marks HIV/AIDS Awareness Month - a time to deepen understanding of HIV’s global impact, celebrate scientific advancements, and honor those affected. The month builds on World AIDS Day and encourages expanded access to treatment, prevention, and community support.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Wear red or share the red ribbon symbol.
• Support HIV/AIDS education or prevention organizations.
• Amplify stories of resilience and community leadership.
• Share internal resources to reduce stigma and promote understanding.
• Host an intersectional ERG conversation around the impact on our communities.

World AIDS Day (December 1)

World AIDS Day, established in 1988 as the first global health observance, honors the millions of lives impacted by HIV/AIDS. The red ribbon became an international symbol of awareness and solidarity in 1991.This year’s theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” The day serves as a powerful reminder of both progress in treatment and the continued need to curb stigma and end AIDS.

Inclusive Ways to Observe

• Share stories of resilience and scientific advancement.
• Highlight global health organizations working toward prevention and treatment.
• Host a moment of reflection or learning session to honor those lost.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)

Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992, this day promotes understanding of disability issues and mobilizes support for the dignity and well-being of persons with disabilities. Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, emphasizing the need for accessibility and inclusion. The theme for this year is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”

Inclusive Ways to Observe

• Learn about accessibility best practices and universal design.
• Invite disability advocates or employees to share lived experiences.
• Review digital and physical spaces for accessibility improvements.
• Provide ASL interpretation, captions, or other access tools as needed.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7)

This day honors the lives lost in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and recognizes the resilience of those who served. The USS Arizona Memorial, the resting place of more than 1,100 sailors, stands as a powerful symbol of service and sacrifice.

Inclusive Ways to Honor

• Observe a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m. local time.
• Invite your Veterans ERG to share stories or be highlighted for their service.
• Support organizations serving veterans and their families.
• Highlight intergenerational storytelling, especially from veterans within your community.

Human Rights Day (December 10) & Universal Human Rights Month

Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948 - a landmark document championing equality, dignity, and freedom for all. Universal Human Rights Month expands the call to reflect on these principles throughout December.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share excerpts or reflections from the UDHR.
• Support local or global human rights organizations.
• Host a discussion on equity, justice, and fairness.
• Offer staff opportunities to engage in advocacy or learning.

Hanukkah (December 14-22)

The Jewish Festival of Lights commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of a day’s worth of oil lasting eight nights. Lighting the menorah symbolizes perseverance, hope, and the enduring strength of community.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share educational resources about Jewish heritage and traditions.
• Learn about the meaning and symbolism of the menorah.
• Support Jewish community events or cultural organizations.
• Spotlight Interfaith ERGs, such as Jewish ERGs, and be thoughtful about time off during this period.

Winter Solstice (December 21)

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Many cultures recognize it as a moment for rest, reflection, and renewal. Themes of light returning and cyclical change make the solstice a meaningful observance for individuals and communities alike.

Inclusive Ways to Observe

• Share messages of rest, renewal, or intention-setting.
• Encourage mindful reflection or meditation practices.
• Host a wellness-focused ERG activity centered on grounding or seasonal transition.

Christmas (December 25)

Celebrated globally as both a Christian holiday and a cultural tradition centered on generosity, connection, and community. Beyond its religious significance, Christmas has become a time for storytelling, reflection, acts of kindness, and shared celebration across cultures. Many teams take this moment to acknowledge the diverse ways employees observe the season - from spiritual practices to cultural traditions to simply taking time for rest.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Use inclusive greetings like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.”
• Highlight diverse cultural holiday traditions across your team.
• Support Interfaith ERG involvement and holiday-education events.
• Offer space for gratitude-sharing or community giving.
• Be mindful of varying observance practices and PTO needs.

Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1)

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa honors African heritage through the seven guiding principles of the Nguzo Saba. Each principle - from Umoja (Unity) to Imani (Faith) - encourages community connection, cultural pride, and collective purpose. Celebrated by many African American families and communities, Kwanzaa reinforces values of resilience, cooperation, and creativity.

Inclusive Ways to Celebrate

• Share the meanings of the seven principles throughout the week.
• Support Black-owned businesses and local cultural organizations.
• Highlight Black ERG programming, stories, or leaders.
• Invite speakers or host educational sessions on African heritage.
• Celebrate community, creativity, and collective purpose.
  
  

Looking Ahead - Why Awareness and Heritage Months Matter Year-Round

Awareness and heritage months offer more than single-day recognition. They invite organizations to learn, build empathy, and create meaningful space for underrepresented voices. When teams use these observances as moments for reflection and storytelling, they strengthen trust across the organization.

Looking ahead to the new year, consider how these observances can shape ongoing culture work - not just reactive programming, but sustained connection and inclusion.

For more guidance, here are 3 things to consider when planning a heritage month event. Once you’re done planning that event, you can check out our guide on planning and tracking successful ERG events here. 

Explore Verbate’s full Heritage Months & Cultural Calendar to plan programming for the year ahead.

Planning your December inclusion programming? Verbate provides Community and Resources for ERG Leads and ERG program Managers. Sign up for our newsletter for deeper monthly insights.

If you’re looking for strategic support for your ERG program, learn more about your ERG Leadership Community which provides training, resources, and year-round connection with top ERG programs around the world.