Check out our list of December key dates & events to get ideas and resources for your employee communications. And throughout this busy holiday season, be sure to remind staff about EAP availability as a free, confidential source of help!
Major religious holidays, festivities, and end-of-year celebrations dominate the month of December, but there are a few other noteworthy observances. We’re offering links to resources for these events that might be useful in the month’s employee communications.
Safe Toys Month – It’s estimated that unsafe toys result in nearly 300,000 emergency room visits annually – and that doesn’t factor in lesser injuries treated at home. Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility of everyone. Careful toy selection and proper supervision of children at play is the best way to protect children from toy-related injuries. The linked tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offer guidance. See the 2025 list of the 10 Worst Toys, the 53rd annual compilation by World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) to highlight potential hazards that families, caregivers, and educators should look out for to help safeguard children. While many unsafe toys face recalls, W.A.T.C.H. notes that recalls are reactive and it is critical to be proactive to prevent harm.
World AIDS Day – December 1 is the 38th World AIDS Day, serving as a reminder of the global fight against the pandemic and commemorating lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses. While great strides have been made in prevention and treatment, one-quarter of people living with HIV – more than nine million people – lack access to lifesaving treatment, According to the United Nations, “Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is within reach, but only if global leaders commit to dismantling barriers to healthcare and upholding human rights.” For US information, see HIV and AIDS resources.
12/1-5 – National Influenza Vaccination Week – The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) reminds us that as long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to get vaccinated. Even when flu vaccination does not prevent infection completely, it can help protect against serious flu-related complications, including hospitalization and death. NFID has compiled compiled great resources from NFID and partner organizations that can be used during this week and throughout the season to help raise awareness about the importance of flu prevention and treatment.
12/3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities – An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. This year, the UN’s theme for this annual observance day is “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
12/7-12/13 – National Handwashing Awareness Week – Mascot “Henry the Hand” offers annual reminders of why handwashing is the best way to prevent seasonal flu and infectious diseases. Henry advocates practicing the 4 Principles of Hand Awareness: 1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating; 2. DO NOT cough into your hand; 3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands; 4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Major Holidays
- 12/25 – Christmas
- 12/14-12/22 – Hanukkah
- 12/26-1/1 – Kwanzaa
- 12/31 – New Year’s Eve
Blog posts you may have missed: