Resources for December Observances
Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.
Here is a list of resources for December observances.
Month-Long Observances
SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS AWARENESS MONTH
October Recalls on Children’s Products, Trying Together
Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Awareness Days
Choosing Safe Toys, KidsHealth
7 Tips for Buying Safe Toys for Children, Health Park Pediatrics
UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together
Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Children and Youth: Activities and Games, United Nations
Universal Human Rights in the Workplace, Shortlister
National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE MONTH
6 Reasons Why Learning a Language is Important for Children, EF
15 Reasons for Kids to Learn a Foreign Language, Panda Tree
11 Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age, Brighter Futures Indiana
WORLDWIDE FOOD SERVICE SAFETY MONTH
New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available, Trying Together
Healthy Eating Guides: At the Grocery Store, Trying Together
Your Gateway to Food Safety Information, Foodsafety.gov
Week-Long Observances
DECEMBER 6-12 IS NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK
Flu Shot: Your Best Best for Avoiding Influenza, Mayo Clinic
Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine, KidsHealth
Days of Recognition
DECEMBER 2 IS SPECIAL EDUCATION DAY
Early Intervention FAQ, Trying Together
When Should a Parent Consider Early Intervention for Their Child?, Trying Together
Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County, Trying Together
Family Guide for Navigating Early Intervention Services, Trying Together
DECEMBER 3 IS NATIONAL ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD DAY
LIHEAP Enrollment for Heating Bill Assistance Delayed Until December for 2025-26 Season, Trying Together
Housing Resources Available for Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Families, Trying Together
Allegheny County Family Resource Map, ELRC Region 5
Housing Resources, United Way PA 211
DECEMBER 3 IS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Early Childhood Inclusion, Trying Together
Talking with Young Children About Disabilities, Trying Together
The Differences Among Mental, Developmental, and Behavioral Conditions, Trying Together
DECEMBER 5 IS NATIONAL COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR KIDS DAY
How to Address War and Traumatic Experiences with Children, Trying Together
Talking with Young Children About Disabilities, Trying Together
DECEMBER 10 IS HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Family Guide to Discussing Race and Equity with Young Children, Trying Together
Explaining Human Rights to Kids on International Human Rights Day, KidsKonnect
National Human Rights Month: Teaching Children About Human Rights, Connections Academy
DECEMBER 21 IS NATIONAL SHORT STORY DAY
Buzzword Pittsburgh, Buzzword
PA Promise for Children Releases November Booklist for Children, Trying Together
List Suggests Books for Children About Being Afraid, Buzzword
Short Stories for Children, AmericanLiterature.com