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National Car Donation Month
This is a U.S. denomination that promotes donating more than just money to a good cause. Got a spare car lying around? But in all seriousness, if you know someone, or you yourself a very generous person who is trying to get rid of their car, please donate it to the cause of your choice at MyRideMyCause.org. The car would be auctioned off, and the money is then given to the charity of your choice.
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HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
The most important and internationally renown cause for the month of December is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) awareness. It’s key to acknowledge that awareness doesn’t only mean preventing the spread of HIV, but also the destigmatization of being HIV/AIDS positive as well as sharing resources for treatment. HIV/AIDS is a highly contagious disease that is spread through blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk (another reason to practice protected sex). However, it’s important to know that it is not a death sentence. With access to modern medicine, people who are HIV+ can live long, fulfilling lives. You can find unbiased, medical and educational info on HIV/AIDS here. For information on how you can make a difference in the fight towards preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and finding a cure, click here for Chicago volunteer opportunities, fundraising runs and donation centers.
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National Pear Month
Pears are pretty lit. I don’t know exactly why pears are celebrated in December because they aren’t even in season. Regardless, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate pears you can make a great brie and pear toasted grilled cheese. Just slice up some pears n’ some brie or camembert (or grated vegan cheese), butter two slices of bread (I prefer sourdough) and toast it all on a pan like I do or in an actual sandwich maker if you’re fancy like that!
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Bingo’s Birthday Month
Yep- Bingo like the game! Celebrate by- you guessed it- playing bingo with your friends or joining a bingo game event. Some ~fun facts~ on bingo: it was originally invented in Italy in the 1500s, and only arrived in the states in 1930 where it was referred to as “beano” until a player shouted “bingo” upon winning, coining the modern term.
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National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month
According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals the period of time in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is, “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on the United State’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.” December is a good time to be extra cautious not to drive unless completely sober, not to enter a vehicle where the driver is under the influence (even of marijuana… it’s not safe!), and ensuring others aren’t driving intoxicated. It isn’t just about the driver and their ability to operate a vehicle, it’s about having one’s senses at their sharpest knowing that other drivers will be driving under the influence at higher rates than any other time of the year. Even sober navigating around bad driving is tricky to handle, so better not risk it more by driving under the influence!
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National Tie Month
The origin of the tie is unclear, but versions of the tie go back to the Roman empire. Croatian mercenaries popularized the cravat, an early version of the modern tie, in the 1600s. Celebrate by wearing a tie, or buying a tie for someone you know who’s a fan! I like clip-on ties because I can’t be bothered to tie them…
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National Write A Business Plan Month
December, the time to start a business. As artists we are constantly coming up with far-fetched business plans, but what about taking the time to make some of these collab ideas a reality? Why not actually start your own gallery? Click here for a step-by-step Entrepreneur article on starting a business.
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Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month
I’ll just stop right here to say that as a proud Ecuadorian, my favorite root vegetable is none other than the potato. Potatoes are versatile, delicious, nutritious and filling. As for exotic fruits, my favorite is probably dragonfruit which is known as pitahaya in my home country.
Another one has got to be soursop, which is known as guanabana in Spanish and grows in the rainforest. I just love the word soursop- the taste I’m not a huge fan of…
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Spiritual Literacy Month
Existencial crisis szn? Say less! It’s time to catch up on some spiritual literacy. Whatever religion or spirituality you identify with, December is a good time to wrap up the year and reflect on your spiritual habits. And for those of us who are agnostic or atheist, you can skip this one or participate by reading up on different spiritual practices and learning how these can move you closer towards your own beliefs (or lack thereof).
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Universal Human Rights Month
Every month should be human rights month, but in December we can each take some time out to educate ourselves on other cultures and current events happening around the world. There are so many things going on all the way across the world that we are often unaware of, as we get caught up in our own country’s issues. Remember to look around the media for what’s happening internationally as well, this education can help us empathize with those in need of our support around the world. We can speak up for those who can’t!
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Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
Okay- do we actually need to wash our fruits and veggies? I never know the answer to this one so I looked it up. The answer is yes, it is good to wash produce directly before consuming it because it will wash off dirt or a sneaky bug friend (once, my mom found a poor, little, shivering frog in our lettuce after she took it out of the fridge to wash). Germ-wise, rinsing will probably not do much. Another thing is washing produce right before eating is the most important part, because washing it just to store it again in the fridge could even conduct more bacteria towards the produce as moisture can act as a breeding ground for germs. If you’re concerned about washing off pesticides, grocery store produce doesn’t is strictly regulated and will not contain enough pesticides to harm your body.