December is Awareness Month

December Celebrations

Every month, there are hundreds of national and international celebrations dedicated to raising awareness and support for meaningful causes.

We should note that December is among the most sparse for awareness days and months — likely because traditional winter holidays tend to overshadow any awareness holidays. December includes the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice, and marks the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. December is filled with diverse cultural and religious celebrations worldwide, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

There are several awareness months celebrated in December — though the five that often get the most attention include HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month, Learn a Foreign Language Month, and Dressember.

• Dressember-Each December, thousands of people around the world dress up—in dresses, ties, power suits, or any outfit that sparks courage and conversation—to raise awareness and funds to protect people in poverty from human trafficking and violence. Human trafficking and violence thrive in silence. But when we speak up, we help break the cycle. An estimated 50 million people worldwide are trapped in human trafficking and exploitation, including forced labor, sex trafficking and abuse that disproportionately impacts women and children. Whether you participate for one day or all month long, Dressember makes it easy for anyone to join the work of justice. Let your outfit be your outcry—a visible act of solidarity that fuels safety, restoration and lasting protection.

• HIV/AIDS Awareness Month-December 1st is World AIDS Day. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about HIV, supporting those affected, educating the public on prevention and testing, and remembering those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. It also encourages action to combat stigma and improve the ongoing fight against the virus
• International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month-December is International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month, an observance to raise awareness about the risks of accidental needle sticks and promote safer handling and disposal of sharps, such as needles, lancets, and scalpels. The month serves as a reminder for healthcare professionals, laboratory workers, and others to review safety protocols and implement measures to reduce the risk of sharps injuries, which can lead to the transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Focus on prevention: The primary goal is to prevent injuries by highlighting the importance of safety-engineered devices and proper handling techniques. Education and training: It is a time for employers to assess their safety programs and provide staff with updated training on sharps safety protocols. Safe disposal: Proper disposal of used sharps immediately in a designated, puncture-proof container is crucial to prevent injuries and the spread of infection. Industry-wide effort: Organizations like the International Sharps Injury Prevention Society (ISIPS) helped establish the month to encourage professionals across the healthcare, laboratory, and waste management industries to prioritize sharps safety. 

• Learn a Foreign Language Month–December is National Learn a Foreign Language Month, a time dedicated to encouraging people to learn new languages and explore other cultures. The month provides an opportunity to start a language-learning journey through classes, apps, books, or by connecting with native speakers, with benefits including improved cognitive abilities and expanded job opportunities. December is officially designated as National Learn a Foreign Language Month. To encourage individuals of all ages to start learning a new language and to celebrate the benefits of being multilingual. Learning a new language can lead to greater cultural appreciation, improved cognitive skills (like memory and creativity), and better job prospects. Take a class: Enroll in a local language course or an online class. Use apps: Download a free language-learning application on your phone. Visit the library: Check out books, movies, or digital resources from the library to start learning. Connect with people: Spend time with others who speak a different language to practice and immerse yourself. Explore resources: Many libraries and organizations provide resources like Mango Languages or Transparent Language through a library card. 

• National Car Donation Month–December is National Car Donation Month, an annual observance founded in 2018 to encourage people to donate their unused vehicles to charities. This month-long event promotes vehicle donations as a way to support non-profits and often provides donors with a tax deduction. It is celebrated through vehicle donations from the public, car dealerships, and even celebrities, with social media playing a role in raising awareness and encouraging others to participate. What it is: An annual observance in December to promote and raise awareness for vehicle donation programs. Purpose: To encourage the donation of unwanted cars, trucks, boats, and RVs to charities during the holiday season. Individuals, dealerships, and celebrities donate vehicles. People share their favorite charities on social media and encourage others to donate. Why people participate: To support charities and causes they care about. To receive a tax deduction for their donation. To avoid the costs and hassle of selling a vehicle. How to participate: Donate a car, truck, boat, or RV to a charity that accepts vehicle donations. Use social media to share information about a favorite cause and encourage others to donate

• National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month–December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, especially during the holidays when traffic crashes often increase. The month was established in 1981 by the founders of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and has been supported by proclamations from U.S. presidents. Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) promote making a plan for a sober ride home, such as designating a driver, using a taxi or rideshare, or staying over.  Purpose: To prevent drunk and drugged driving, particularly during a time when alcohol consumption increases due to holiday parties and travel. Origin: The month was started by MADD after the death of 13-year-old Cari Lightner in 1981. Proclamation: Every U.S. President since Ronald Reagan has proclaimed December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. How to participate and stay safePlan ahead: Before drinking, arrange for a sober ride, such as a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare app. Be a designated driver: Volunteer to be the sober driver for your group to ensure everyone gets home safely. Use alternative transportation: Take a bus or train if it’s a viable option. If hosting, help your guests: Provide a list of local taxi and rideshare numbers or offer alternative options like festive, non-alcoholic beverages. Take prescription drugs seriously: Check with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure there are no interactions between any medications you are taking and alcohol. Don’t rely on waiting to “sober up”: Experts agree that a person should wait at least one hour for every drink they have to sober up, and it’s best to avoid driving entirely if you’ve been drinking. Support prevention efforts: Some organizations offer red ribbons or magnetic decals for your car to show your commitment to drive sober. 

• National Human Rights Month-December is Universal Human Rights Month, a time to recognize the fundamental rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to. It commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations on December 10, 1948. This month serves as an opportunity to reflect on progress, consider ongoing challenges, and engage in activities like education, advocacy, and fundraising to promote human rights.  What it is: Universal Human Rights Month honors the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a document that outlines a set of fundamental rights and freedoms for all human beings. When it is: The month-long observance takes place throughout December, with December 10th marking Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the UDHR’s adoption. Why it’s observed: The month is a time for global reflection on human rights, to celebrate achievements, and to consider the work still needed to ensure equality, justice, and dignity for everyone. How to get involved: People can participate by learning more about the UDHR, educating others, standing up for the rights of others, volunteering for human rights organizations, and supporting advocacy efforts. 

• Safe Toys and Gifts Month-National Safe Toys and Gifts Month in 2025 is the month of December, starting on December 1, 2025. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about selecting age-appropriate and safe toys to prevent injuries, especially for young children. Organizations like the National Public Health Information Coalition and Prevent Blindness America have designated December as this awareness month to promote toy safety during the holiday gift-giving season. Purpose: To promote toy safety and prevent injuries by encouraging consumers to choose age-appropriate, non-toxic, and hazard-free gifts. Key focus areas: Selecting toys that match a child’s age and abilities, checking for safety certifications (like ASTM), and being aware of choking hazards and other risks. 
• Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month-National Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month is in December, aiming to raise awareness for the form of depression that occurs seasonally, often starting in late fall and fading in spring. During this month, the focus is on understanding SAD’s symptoms, which can include sadness, low energy, and changes in sleep or appetite, and on promoting strategies for managing it. SAD is a recurring form of depression that is linked to the change in seasons and a decrease in natural sunlight. It is also known as “seasonal depression” or “winter blues,” and the symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Symptoms can include: Mood changes: Feeling sad, moody, or hopeless. Low energy: Feeling fatigued and lacking energy for daily activities. Changes in sleep: Oversleeping or having trouble staying awake. Changes in appetite: Craving certain foods or overeating, which can lead to weight gain. Social withdrawal: Wanting to avoid social situations and activities. Difficulty focusing: Trouble concentrating or making decisions. How to support awareness and manage symptoms: Recognize the signs and encourage those struggling to seek help. Focus on mental wellness strategies like positive self-talk and sticking to a routine. Take breaks from social media and the news. Connect with community and support groups. Consider seeking professional resources and treatment options. Who is susceptible: Women, Young adults, People in northern regions with less winter sunlight, Individuals with a family history of SAD or other forms of depression, People with a diagnosis of depression or bipolar disorder 

• Universal Human Rights Month-Universal Human Rights Month is in December and will be observed throughout the month of December 2025. The month serves as a time to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted on December 10, 1948. Human Rights Day will fall on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Purpose: The month encourages global solidarity for equality, justice, and the dignity of all people. It is a time to recognize that human rights are fundamental to daily life, encompassing essentials like safety, food, education, healthcare, and freedom of expression.2025 Theme: The 2025 theme is “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials”. This theme aims to show how human rights are essential in daily life, often in ways we don’t always notice. To observe the month, you can educate yourself on human rights, support organizations that advocate for them, participate in events, and stand up against discrimination

• World Twin To Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month–December is World Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) Awareness Month. It includes several specific awareness days, such as World TTTS Awareness Day on December 7th, World TAPS Awareness Day on December 8th, World SIUGR Awareness Day on December 9th, and World TRAP Awareness Day on December 10th. These observances aim to increase public awareness and educate people about the risks associated with certain types of twin pregnancies.  

World Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month is a collaborative effort to raise awareness and educate the public about TTTS and related conditions in monochorionic twins. World TTTS Awareness Day: December 7 World TAPS Awareness Day: December 8 World SIUGR Awareness Day: December 9 World TRAP Awareness Day: December 10 The month is dedicated to increasing public awareness, educating about the risks of monochorionic twin pregnancies, and directing people to resources like The TTTS Foundation for information and support. 

• Worldwide Food Service Safety Month-December is Worldwide Food Service Safety Month, an observance established by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) in 1994 to raise awareness about the importance of food safety standards. While “National Food Safety Month” is in September, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month is the specific December observance that focuses on safety protocols in professional kitchens and at home, emphasizing principles like cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling to prevent foodborne illnesses. Raise awareness: To bring attention to food safety’s role in preventing foodborne illnesses in both commercial kitchens and home settings. Improve standards: To encourage the food service industry to revisit and improve safety protocols. Educate on prevention: To educate the public and professionals on safe food handling practices to reduce the risk of sickness. Key food safety principles. Clean: Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils often. Separate: Keep raw and cooked foods separate to prevent cross-contamination. Cook: Cook foods to the correct internal temperature. Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods promptly. High-risk groups: Individuals who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses include children under 5, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. General public: Everyone is at risk, but following basic food safety practices can significantly lower the chances of getting sick‍

• National Handwashing Awareness Week-Hand hygiene in 2025 was celebrated with World Hand Hygiene Day on May 5, 2025, and National Handwashing Awareness Week in December 2025. The theme for World Hand Hygiene Day was “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene,” with a focus on appropriate glove use and the environmental impact of glove waste, according to the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (WHO). Focus: Reminding people, especially in healthcare settings, that gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene and encouraging reflection on the appropriate use of gloves to reduce waste. Goals: To raise awareness about the environmental impact of unnecessary glove use and promote evidence-based hand hygiene practices. 

Other Awareness Days

Rosa Parks Bus Seat Refusal Anniversary – December 1 

Giving Tuesday – 1st Tuesday after Thanksgiving

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3

Wildlife Conservation Day – December 4

International Cheetah Day – December 4

International Volunteer Day – December 5

World Soil Day – December 5 

Pansexual/Panromantic Pride Day – December 8

National Llama Day – December 9

International Genocide Prevention Day – December 9

Human Rights Day – December 10

Nobel Prize Day – December 10

International Animal Rights Day – December 10

International Mountain Day – December 11

Monkey Day – December 14

Bill of Rights Day – December 15

International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers – December 17

International Migrants Day – December 18

International Human Solidarity Day – December 20

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness – December 27

Visit the Zoo Day – December 27

Trans Youth Day – December 28

New Year’s Eve – December 31