December 12 National Days

December 12, 2024, is the 347th day of the year, with 18 days remaining until the end of the year. Falling on a Thursday in the 50th week, December 12th highlights nine national day observances celebrating traditions, historical legacies, and global awareness.

Below is a list of all national and international days celebrated on December 12, each with a brief explanation.

Christmas Jumper Day* (Dates Change, UK 🇬🇧): Established in 2012 by Save the Children, this day invites people across the UK to don festive jumpers while raising funds for children’s education and healthcare. Always celebrated a couple of weeks before Christmas, it spreads joy while supporting meaningful causes.

Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts / Taboo Day: This thought-provoking observance encourages people to share their deepest, often unspoken ideas without fear of judgment, promoting open dialogue and self-expression.

Gingerbread Decorating Day: This fun-filled day celebrates the tradition of decorating gingerbread creations. Although some sources mention December 14 as its date, others place it on December 12, making it a perfect excuse to celebrate twice!

Gingerbread House Day: Honoring the centuries-old tradition of gingerbread baking, this day celebrates the fun of decorating gingerbread houses. This tradition traces its roots back to 992 AD when an Armenian monk introduced gingerbread to Europe.

International Day of Neutrality: Proclaimed by the UN in 2017 and inspired by Turkmenistan’s neutral status since 1995, this day promotes peaceful and friendly relations among nations, emphasizing diplomacy and mutual respect.

International Universal Health Coverage Day: Recognized by the UN since 2017, this day advocates for affordable, quality healthcare as a human right. It aims to accelerate progress toward universal health coverage by 2030.

National Ambrosia Day: This day highlights the sweet and refreshing ambrosia salad, a holiday favorite. Featuring ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and marshmallows, ambrosia brings a touch of nostalgia to festive celebrations.

National Ding-a-Ling Day: Encouraging reconnection, this day invites people to call someone they haven’t spoken to in a while. Established in 1972 by Franky Hyle, it’s a reminder to rekindle friendships and spread cheer.

National Poinsettia Day: Celebrated in honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who introduced the plant to the United States in 1825, this day recognizes the poinsettia’s role as a holiday icon. The observance also honors Paul Ecke, the father of the poinsettia industry.